Was in hiding for a long time

Despite allegations of corruption: Sanchez remains in office

(Bild: APA/AP/Darko Vojinovic)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez went into hiding for several days. Now it is clear: he will remain in office - despite the trouble surrounding accusations against his wife. Sánchez sees a "discrediting campaign" by the opposition.

Spain's Prime Minister had given himself five days to think about his decision. The 52-year-old declared on Monday that he would not resign. Sanchez had surprisingly announced last Wednesday that he would suspend his government duties for a few days to think about resigning.

On the short message service X (formerly Twitter), Sánchez then wrote that he wanted to think about whether it was still "worth it, despite the swamp in which the right and far-right are trying to do politics. Whether I should continue to head the government or step down from this high honor". 

"Have decided to carry on"
The background to this are allegations of corruption against his wife. Sanchez rejected the accusations and described them as having been orchestrated by his conservative opponents. "I have decided to carry on," said Sánchez in a televised speech on Monday. He described the accusations against his wife as part of a "discrediting campaign" by the opposition.

"I have decided to continue, if possible, with even more strength at the head of the government", said Sánchez in his speech in front of the Moncloa government palace in Madrid. The solidarity rallies held by his supporters in Madrid and other cities at the weekend had also contributed to his decision, which he had made together with his wife. Sánchez called for a fight against the "swamp" in politics.

Influence peddling and corruption in the economy?
The complaint against the head of government's wife was filed on Wednesday by the organization "Manos Limpias" (Clean Hands), which is classified as very right-wing. It accuses Begoña Gómez (49), who holds no public office, of influence peddling and corruption in the economy. "Manos Limpias" later admitted that the complaint was based on media reports that could well be false.

Sanchez has been in office since 2018. He is the leader of the center-left Socialist Party and heads a minority government supported by regional parties. On Saturday, more than 10,000 people demonstrated in Madrid in support of Sanchez remaining in office.