Madrid – The Spanish political landscape has been thrown into turmoil following the forced resignation of Santos Cerdán, the number three figure in the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE). The fallout stems from revelations of alleged bribery linked to public contracts, further destabilizing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s already fragile government.
Cerdán announced his resignation on Thursday afternoon, just hours after leaked recordings surfaced suggesting he discussed receiving kickbacks – totaling 620,000 euros already paid and another 450,000 euros expected – in connection with public works contracts. The recordings reportedly feature conversations with former Socialist Minister José Luis Abalos and businessman Koldo García.
In a hastily arranged press conference, Prime Minister Sánchez emphatically disavowed his former ally, offering a public apology to the Spanish people while claiming he was unaware of any wrongdoing. “We should never have trusted him,” Sánchez stated, “until today, I was convinced of his integrity.” He staunchly refused calls from the opposition – the right-wing Partido Popular (PP) and the far-right Vox – for snap elections.
According to a report by the Civil Guard, the recordings indicate Cerdán’s possible involvement in the improper awarding of public contracts. Cerdán, however, maintains his innocence, claiming he has “committed no illegal act” and that his resignation is intended to “defend the Socialist Party” and the current government. He insists he will cooperate fully with the investigation.
This scandal is the latest in a series of allegations of impropriety surrounding members of Sánchez’s administration. His wife, Begoña Gómez, is currently under investigation for alleged influence peddling, while his brother, David Sánchez, has also faced scrutiny over a possible case of nepotism.
The next general election is scheduled for 2027, but many observers now doubt whether Sánchez, in power for seven years, will be able to hold onto office until then. The scandal has reignited concerns about corruption within the Spanish government and raised serious questions about the future stability of the current administration. The unfolding drama is likely to dominate Spanish politics in the months to come.
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