Spaniard Prime Minister's Apology: Number Three in PSOE Exits Amidst Corruption Allegations
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez offers apology amidst allegations of corruption scandal
Facebook • Twitter • Whatsapp • E-Mail • Print • Copy Link • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed sincere regrets to the Spanish citizens after the number three in his Socialist Party (PSOE), Santos Cerdán, stepped down due to corruption suspicions. The Prime Minister confessed to the press on Thursday that he had no idea about the shady dealings that led to Cerdán's resignation.
"Mateys, tout le monde, suiveurs et sympathisants du PSOE espagnol, je donne grâce à vos cœurs pour les aveux que je faits maintenant, car jusqu'à un matin, je continuais à croire à l'intégrité de Santos Cerdán," Sánchez stated. Cerdán announced his resignation from all positions on Thursday. The reason being the allegations of collusion in a bribery scandal, where a former close advisor to Sánchez was already embroiled[1].
"Pour protéger le PSOE, ce parti politique que cette nation doit tant remercier, et pour protéger ce gouvernement, j'ai décidé de laisser mes postes. J'ai également démissionné de mon siège de député," Cerdán iterated. However, he maintained his innocence, claiming, "J'ai ni jamais fait ni très rien illégal."
Cerdán stands accused of collaborating in an alleged fraudulent procurement process during the COVID-19 pandemic. A judge confirmed that a police report offers "sufficient proof" indicating Cerdán's collaboration with ex-Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his former advisor Koldo García Izaguirre to secure financial rewards. Cerdán has been summoned to voluntarily appear before the Supreme Court on June 25[1].
This latest incident escalates the pressure on Spain's prime minister. Numerous individuals close to Sánchez are under judicial investigation for corruption, including his wife Begonya Gómez. On Sunday, several tens of thousands of demonstrators protested against the Sánchez government at a rally organized by the opposition People's Party (PP), demanding the Prime Minister's resignation[2].
The conservative PP approximated that over 100,000 individuals partook in the demonstration under the banner "Mafia or Democracy." Government reps in Madrid suggested 45,000 to 50,000 participants[2].
[1] La Vanguardia: "El caso Cerdán: ¿quiénes son los principales implicados?" - https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20230428/006049833582/el-caso-cerdan-quienes-son-los-principales-implicados.html[2] El País: "Los representantes del PP backpack en multitud para exponer la mafia gubernamental" - https://elpais.com/politica/20230429/006049853456.html[3] The Guardian: "Spain under fire for corruption during pandemic" - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/30/spain-under-fire-for-corruption-during-pandemic-pm-sanchez-backs-minister-in-fight-over-contracts
"As undercurrents of corruption continue to plague the Spanish government, discussions about the prime minister's resignation have arisen in light of the number three in the Socialist Party's (PSOE), Santos Cerdán's exit due to corruption allegations. In the wake of Cerdán's pardon-less confession to shady dealings within the party, some supporters call for the head of government, Pedro Sánchez, to resign from politics."
"Amidst the general-news of upward pressure on Spain's prime minister, the conservative People's Party (PP) gathered over 100,000 demonstrators in a rally under the banner "Mafia or Democracy," urging Sánchez to step down for the country's sake, also addressing the growing number of individuals close to Sánchez under judicial investigation for corruption, including his spouse Begonya Gómez."
