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Spain’s Socialist Government Faces Fresh Harassment Scandal After Corruption Probe

A senior PSOE aide resigned following allegations of sexual harassment just days after a top party figure was jailed for alleged kickbacks.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during the closing of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is also a leader of the Socialist ruling party (PSOE), holds a press conference after a Socialist Party meeting following a senior official's alleged graft case at headquarters in Madrid, Spain June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Nacho Doce/File Photo
The Spanish PM, blasted as 'corrupt' in this Madrid bus ad, is facing the worst crisis of his seven years in power
Spanish conservative opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo scents blood with the Socialists in a moment of weakness

Overview

  • Former organizational secretary Santos Cerdán was ordered into pre-trial detention on June 30 over alleged kickbacks in public works contracts.
  • Support for the Socialist Workers’ Party has fallen to 27% in recent polls, with 41% of respondents urging Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to call early elections.
  • On July 5, PSOE official Francisco Salazar stepped down amid sexual harassment allegations and the party announced an immediate internal investigation.
  • People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo used a weekend congress to press for Sánchez’s ouster but lacks the parliamentary majority needed for a no-confidence motion.
  • Prime Minister Sánchez has pledged internal reforms and insisted he will remain in office through 2027 despite mounting pressure and defections.