Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez publicly denied allegations of widespread corruption within his Socialist Party on June 24, asserting he had no knowledge of misconduct by close associates and vowing to complete his term until 2027 [1, 2].

Sanchez said he never tolerated corrupt practices by Jose Luis Abalos, his former transport minister, who was sentenced on June 22 to 24 years in prison for accepting kickbacks linked to Covid-19 health equipment contracts [1, 2]. "I never knew about, nor would I have tolerated, any of these practices," Sanchez stated [1]. He accused political opponents and parts of the media of trying to create a false impression of systemic corruption. "Certain actors in politics and the media are trying to mix, to put on the same level and therefore confuse people, to create a sensation of widespread corruption which... does not exist," he said [1].

Adding to the controversy, a judge ordered a jury trial on June 20 against Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, for alleged influence peddling and confiscated her passport [1]. Sanchez's brother David also faces trial over alleged irregularities in a public-sector job appointment in Badajoz [1, 2]. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Sanchez's political mentor, has been under investigation since May over influence peddling linked to a €53 million airline bailout [1, 2].

Opposition parties including the conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox have accused Sanchez of presiding over systemic corruption and demanded his resignation [1, 2]. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, Popular Party leader, said, "What would you be saying if this situation was occurring under another government? Sooner or later, I’ll give the Spanish people back a decent government" [2].

Sanchez responded, "We are not infallible. But that is why we clean up what needs to be cleaned up," and pledged he would not stay silent or give up in the face of accusations [1, 2]. He ruled out calling early elections and committed to serving the full term until 2027 [1, 2].

The courts are proceeding with trials against Sanchez’s wife and brother, while investigations into associates and former officials continue.