Spain’s government—or rather, the country’s Prime Minister himself, Pedro Sánchez—is remarkable for its endurance despite apparent instability. Apart from presiding over a precarious coalition (which has seen the Socialist leader change his position on the degree to which he claimed to be willing to accommodate separatism and sedition) Sánchez is currently embroiled in several legal investigations.
An ongoing case involves his wife, Begoña Gómez, who stands accused of influence-peddling. This probe was initiated by the Manos Limpias (“Clean Hands”) association, and concerns alleged preferential treatment at the Complutense University of Madrid. The Assembly of Madrid has initiated an official inquiry into the claims. Another investigation concerns Sánchez’s brother, David Sánchez, related to his appointment in the Department of Culture in the Badajoz province, who so far has denied any wrongdoing.
We may add a significant investigation into a corruption network allegedly involving public officials and businesspeople accused of receiving kickbacks for contracts related to COVID-19 medical supplies. This scandal resulted in the expulsion of Luis Ábalos, a former transport minister, from the Socialist Party.
Additionally, a tax fraud investigation into the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the leader of the Madrid region, has had political repercussions. Claims that state prosecutors leaked confidential information around this case (given that Ayuso is a political opponent of the government) have led to increased tensions between judicial and political spheres, culminating in the resignation of the Socialist Party’s top representative in Madrid. Spain’s top prosecutor, Álvaro García Ortiz, testified in court, a notable event in Spanish legal history.
Despite these challenges, Sánchez maintains his position as Prime Minister, one reason for which was recently highlighted when the Right-wing VOX’s political manoeuvres were thwarted by its potential future coalition-partner, the centre-Right People’s Party (PP). Vox attempted to summon Sánchez to testify before a commission looking into irregularities pertaining to the corruption scandals, but this was blocked by the PP, insisting that the session was intended for business representatives. This led to accusations from Vox against the PP for protecting Sánchez.
There is, it seems, no viable alternative coalition on the national level, despite VOX and the PP working together in several regions. This reflects broader global political trends where strategic alliances can significantly influence the stability and direction of government. In particular, Spain presents an extreme case of the centre-Right’s unwillingness to work with “populist” elements, despite the economic devastation and rampant corruption visited upon the country by the present government.
