Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is under mounting pressure as a deepening corruption scandal threatens the stability of his fragile coalition government. The controversy intensified after the Supreme Court named Santos Cerdan, a top-ranking figure in Sanchez’s Socialist Party, as a suspect in a kickbacks-for-contracts scheme involving public works.
The case is part of a wider investigation that has already implicated former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a key ally of Sanchez. Although the prime minister himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the legal spotlight on his inner circle including his wife, brother, and Spain’s top prosecutor has emboldened critics calling for his resignation.
On Thursday, Sanchez made a somber appearance at party headquarters, apologizing for the scandal but vowing to serve out his term until 2027. “The prime minister has to keep earning the public’s trust every day,” said Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister and close ally of Sanchez.
However, the crisis has exposed cracks within Sanchez’s ruling bloc. Sumar, the far-left junior partner in the coalition, has called for a policy reset. “It’s not enough to say sorry,” said Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, founder of Sumar. Meanwhile, the Catalan separatist party Junts, whose support is critical to passing legislation, has requested an emergency meeting to assess the legislature’s viability.
Political analysts suggest Sanchez may need to call a confidence vote to reassert his leadership. “What Sanchez needs now is to calm his allies’ criticism and address the issue of confidence,” said Paloma Roman, professor of political science at Madrid’s Complutense University.
The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has seized on the turmoil, with its leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo urging Sanchez’s allies to reconsider their support. However, he ruled out proposing a no-confidence motion, fearing it could backfire if unsuccessful.
Despite the growing pressure, Sanchez appears determined to weather the storm, backed at least for now by allies wary of triggering fresh elections that could empower a PP-Vox right-wing government. As Roman puts it, “They won’t let Sanchez fall not out of love, but because they fear the alternative more.”
