A new internal conflict is brewing within the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). The cause is a scandal involving allegations of sexual harassment made against Francisco Salazar, one of Pedro Sánchez’s key allies. The situation is further complicated by the party’s apparent unpreparedness for the intense backlash from both its members and the public, as well as demands to immediately refer the case to the prosecutor’s office.
The allegations were made back in July by two party-affiliated employees working at the La Moncloa complex. Despite PSOE’s official stance as a feminist party, the leadership was slow to respond. This sparked outrage among activists and rank-and-file members, especially given that women make up a significant share of the Socialist electorate.
Leadership’s Response
Adriana Lastra, one of the most influential women in the party, publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with the delayed process and called for the immediate transfer of the case to the prosecutor’s office, stressing that it concerns violence against women. However, during an emergency online meeting with those responsible for gender equality, the leadership failed to quell the growing discontent.
The party’s problems have deepened ahead of the upcoming elections in Extremadura, where the Socialists risk losing ground. Senior party members note that a series of scandals involving former organization secretaries has already seriously undermined public trust. Now, the Salazar case has been added to the list, becoming a real ‘time bomb’ for the party.
Crisis of trust
Uncertainty reigns within the party: the leadership remains silent about its next steps, while the harassment commission continues its report. Officials emphasize the independence of this body, but the lack of clear decisions only adds to the tension.
Pedro Sánchez, launching the campaign in Plasencia, chose not to address the scandal, even though it has already damaged the party’s reputation. Meanwhile, other leaders such as Blanca Martín have tried to rally the female electorate, urging them not to give in to negativity and to continue supporting the Socialists.
Internal divisions
Pilar Bernabé, responsible for equality issues, apologized for the party’s indecision in handling the Salazar case, but internal discontent persists. More and more party officials are turning their attention to Rebeca Torró, the current organization secretary, and her close colleagues, who some believe are too closely connected to Salazar.
Allegations of harassment surfaced on the eve of the party’s last federal committee, leading to Salazar’s resignation as organizational deputy. The leadership had hoped to contain the crisis, but the situation only escalated, and discontent became public.
Calls for Action
Deputy Interior Minister Aina Calvo emphasized the need for decisive measures and support for the victims, regardless of the party involved. Adriana Lastra again stressed that such cases should be treated as a public crime, not a private matter, and insists that the prosecution be notified immediately after the commission concludes its work.
Meanwhile, the Málaga prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into another harassment case involving a secretary from Torremolinos. The provincial leadership has demanded the temporary suspension of the suspect from party activities.
Party Position
The party emphasizes that it recognizes the problem and is working to address it, pledging to improve mechanisms for responding to such incidents. Andrea Fernández, a member of Congress, stated that transparency and victim protection are essential, assuring that those affected can count on support.
In case you didn’t know, Francisco Salazar is a prominent PSOE official who previously served as Secretary for Analysis and Electoral Strategy. His name has been linked to key decisions within the party’s structure, as well as to the team formed around Pedro Sánchez after his return to the party leadership. In recent years, Salazar was considered one of the president’s trusted confidants, which is partly why the allegations against him have sparked such a strong reaction. The internal party disagreements over this issue could affect PSOE’s standing in the upcoming elections.
