Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that he is “considering” the possibility of resigning, after it became known that a preliminary investigation was launched against his wife, Begonia Gomet, for corruption and undue influence.
See also: Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is close to resigning – There is an investigation against his wife for corruption
It is recalled that the relevant lawsuit was filed by an anti-corruption organization, Manos Libias (Clean Hands), which is considered to be close to the extreme right.
In an announcement on Platform X, Sanchez said he would retire for a few days to consider whether he should continue in office or retire. The Spanish Prime Minister intends to announce his decision on Monday 29/04.
Letter to citizens. pic.twitter.com/c2nFxTXQTK
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 24, 2024
His move was strongly criticized by the opposition, accusing him of evasion. In her statement, the general secretary of the People’s Party, Contheption Gamara Ruith-Clavijo, pointed out, among other things, that “we believe that, instead of disappearing for five days, he should urgently appear and give a reasonable explanation of the scandals concerning his party, his government and his partner”.
Gometh has not yet made any comment. Sanchez said his wife had done nothing illegal and was being attacked “to weaken me politically and personally”. He said his wife would defend her honor and cooperate with authorities in the appeal.
Manos Libias uses a unique Spanish legal tool, known as a “popular class”, to bring claims against third parties. Judges can choose whether or not to pursue such appeals, and not all charges lead to a judicial investigation.
Media reported yesterday, Wednesday, that the directors of two news websites, which were the first to publicize the allegations against Gometh, will testify.
What are the charges against Sanchez’s wife?
The far-right organization Manos Libias, citing news website reports, claims that Gometh received favors from Air Europa and the Spanish group Globalia, to which the company belongs, when she was, until 2022, the director of a center for African of research at Madrid’s IE business school, according to radio station Cadena Ser, which published on its website a document it said was the legal action.
IE said in a statement it issued that it never received any financial support from Globalia or its affiliates.
In March, Spain’s conflict of interest authority rejected an appeal by the opposition Popular Party which claimed there was a link between the bailout of Air Europa after the Covid crisis grounded planes and Sanchez’s wife’s “financial and professional ties”. .
In a joint statement in March, Globalia and Air Europa said the aid they received from the Spanish government was “in line with the parameters of other aid received by various companies in the sector in Spain and the rest of Europe” and that they consider themselves victims “political crossfires”.
What will happen next?
The possible outcome could range from Sanchez staying on as prime minister until he resigns – which would lead to either a new candidate being put to a vote in the lower house or an early election in the summer – or calling for a vote of confidence. to strengthen his leadership.
According to the Spanish Constitution, new elections can only be called after a year has passed since parliament was last dissolved. This means the earliest Sanchez can officially call a snap election is May 29, and the vote cannot be held before July 21.
However, he could announce on Monday his intention to call an election on that date and then have his government remain as a caretaker government until a new one is formed.
If he loses the confidence vote in parliament, he will have to resign.
If Sanchez resigns, King Felipe will have to meet with all parties represented in the lower house to signal the start of a new process in which he will nominate a candidate who will need a parliamentary majority to become prime minister.
On Thu Apr 25, 2024 at 12:55 pm, marianna koutela
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that he is “considering” the possibility of resigning, after it became known that a preliminary investigation was launched against his wife for corruption and undue influence.
It is recalled that the relevant lawsuit was filed by an anti-corruption organization that is considered to be close to the extreme right.
In an announcement on Platform X, Sanchez said he would retire for a few days to consider whether he should continue in office or retire. The Spanish Prime Minister intends to announce his decision on Monday 29/04.
One of his options is to go to a vote of confidence in the Parliament, in order to have the support of the plenary, if necessary, to continue in his post.
Letter to citizens. pic.twitter.com/c2nFxTXQTK
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 24, 2024
His move was strongly criticized by the opposition, accusing him of evasion.
In her statement, the general secretary of the People’s Party, Contheption Gamara Ruith-Clavijo, pointed out, among other things, that “we believe that, instead of disappearing for five days, he should urgently appear and give a reasonable explanation of the scandals concerning his party, his government and his partner”.
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