Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez Expresses Regret Over Corruption Scandals in His Socialist Party

A prominent member of the ruling party resigned following accusations of involvement in kickback schemes. On Thursday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly apologized for the corruption issues affecting his Socialist Party, shortly after one of its senior officials was implicated in a scandal.

“I am here to offer my apologies to the citizens and supporters of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party,” Sánchez stated during a televised press briefing at the party’s headquarters in Madrid.

This rare public apology came soon after reports emerged that the Civil Guard’s Central Operative Unit had gathered evidence linking Santos Cerdán, the party’s third-highest ranking official, to illicit kickbacks. Investigations suggest that Cerdán conspired with former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his former advisor, Koldo García, to receive illegal payments related to public infrastructure contracts.

“This morning, the contents of the report became known… the evidence is clear and very serious,” Sánchez said. “Corruption unfortunately exists, but there must be zero tolerance for it.”

In response, Cerdán announced his resignation, asserting he has “never committed or been complicit in any crime” and that he will focus on his legal defense. He also stated his willingness to voluntarily cooperate with the Supreme Court judge overseeing the case involving Ábalos and García.

The allegations against Cerdán surfaced just days after authorities searched the former transport minister’s residence in Valencia. Ábalos, who was expelled from the party in 2024, denies any wrongdoing and claims to be a victim of false accusations. García has similarly maintained his innocence.

Sánchez expressed deep frustration and sadness over the revelations, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to clean governance and anti-corruption efforts. He announced plans to overhaul the party’s leadership and initiate an independent audit of its finances.

These events have placed Sánchez, who heads a minority coalition government, in a difficult position. Over the past year, his party has been shaken by a series of scandals involving top officials. The main opposition, the center-right People’s Party (PP), has seized on these controversies to accuse Sánchez of leading a corrupt administration and to galvanize public support.

Last weekend, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Madrid demanding Sánchez’s resignation. This week, opposition senators disrupted parliamentary sessions, repeatedly calling for the prime minister to step down.

Despite the pressure, Sánchez declared he would neither resign nor call early elections, citing a responsibility to uphold “a political project in which millions believe and depend,” and refusing to let the actions of a few individuals derail it.

Though Sánchez’s position remains secure for now—since removing him would require a successful no-confidence vote backed by a majority—governing effectively may prove more challenging. The only likely replacement candidate, opposition leader Alberto Núñez-Feijóo, would need support from the far-right Vox party, alienating other regional parties whose backing would be essential to unseat Sánchez.

Looking ahead, the remainder of the legislative term may be dominated by further legal troubles involving Socialist Party figures. Whether Sánchez can maintain the cooperation of the parties that support his minority government remains uncertain, as public confidence wanes.

Sánchez’s public apology seems intended to break the silence, distance the party from those implicated, and demonstrate his determination to hold wrongdoers accountable. “Once again, I apologize,” he said. “Though I am deeply disappointed, my response to these events will be firm and decisive.”