Spain's Prime Minister Sánchez Faces Growing Pressure Amid Corruption Investigations

As Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez grapples with multiple corruption investigations linked to his Socialist party (PSOE), opposition calls for his resignation have intensified. The turmoil began following the release of tapes involving party secretary Santos Cerdán discussing illicit commissions for public contracts. Although Sánchez is not directly implicated, the fallout from Cerdán's situation has sparked a political firestorm. Cerdán has resigned and is scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court on June 25th, maintaining his innocence.

The ongoing investigation has also implicated former cabinet member José Luis Ábalos, posing further challenges to Sánchez's leadership, especially as Cerdán was a close confidant. In a recent letter to PSOE members, Sánchez acknowledged mistrust in his decision-making but reaffirmed his commitment to serving until the end of his term in 2027. The opposition seizes on these scandals to portray Sánchez as a representative of a corrupt political system. There are also investigations concerning Sánchez's family and a potential constitutional crisis could ensue if further damaging revelations arise.

Despite dwindling support shown in recent polls and increased mobilization on the right, Sánchez maintains a fragile parliamentary majority, but faces a growing storm in both domestic and international contexts—the urgency to address Spain's defense spending and navigate a troubled political landscape looms ahead as he heads to the upcoming NATO summit.