A surge of new accusations and high-profile statements targeting the inner circle of Spain’s prime minister is once again raising questions about transparency and trust in politics. For Spaniards, this story matters not just because of well-known names, but also for its potential impact on the entire system of governance. The spotlight falls not only on the fate of certain individuals, but also on the resilience of the institutions that shape Spain’s future.
Internal conflicts
Leire Díez, who previously belonged to the Socialist ranks, has openly advised Pedro Sánchez to reconsider those he keeps close. According to her, neither Óscar López nor Antonio Hernando deserve to be by the president’s side. Díez claims she has become the target of a carefully planned campaign orchestrated, as she believes, by “party friends.” She emphasizes that Sánchez should pay attention to certain details concerning Hernando and makes no secret of her distrust toward these politicians.
In an interview on a major national TV channel, Díez again spoke of an “internal plot” against her. She is convinced the president should be more aware of Hernando’s activities, especially given recent events. According to her, she would not surround herself with such people, hinting at hidden interests and intrigue within the party.
Sauna scandal
The story about the saunas managed by Sánchez’s father-in-law has resurfaced in the public arena. Díez categorically denies having any compromising information on the matter, although she admits to attending several meetings where the topic was discussed. She claims to have heard audio recordings that she found shocking, but says she does not have any documents in her possession.
Recalling the events of 2017, Díez accuses López and Hernando of attempting to use information about the saunas against Sánchez during the internal party struggle. According to her, investigations into the president have been ongoing since 2012, and certain party members were actively searching for compromising material to influence the election outcome. She expresses conviction that these actions were part of a broader pressure strategy.
Investigations and allegations
Amid these statements, Díez herself has become the focus of an investigation on suspicion of influence peddling, bribery, and manipulation of government contracts. The investigation links her to former SEPI head Vicente Fernández. Case documents mention attempts to gain access to confidential information from the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office and the Civil Guard unit to influence investigations involving Sánchez’s government.
Díez emphasizes that she has never held an official position in the party nor worked at the central office. She calls herself a victim of a smear campaign and claims she has become a target of manipulation by the media and political opponents. Meanwhile, the investigation continues to scrutinize her role in attempts to undermine anti-corruption inquiries.
Interconnected cases
During the proceedings, it was revealed that former party organization secretary Santos Cerdán also attended the meetings in question, as he confirmed in court. Among the materials handed over by Díez was an audio file in which former commissioner José Manuel Villarejo claims that Sánchez’s father-in-law managed saunas linked to prostitution. This episode became a key argument for those supporting the theory that the president has been under years-long pressure from so-called ‘deep structures’ and certain members of law enforcement.
Looking back at recent events, it’s worth noting that last year public attention was already drawn to unexpected revelations and details related to this case. One article on RUSSPAIN.COM took an in-depth look at how documents and audio recordings were passed on, as well as the roles of key figures in shaping the narrative of a conspiracy against the head of government. These publications offered a new perspective on developments and revealed just how complex and tangled this story really is.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced high-profile scandals involving attempts to discredit politicians through information leaks and internal investigations. Such cases have often led to serious consequences for parties and individual figures, sparking a wave of public distrust toward state institutions. Just recall recent incidents when audio recordings and internal documents became subjects of court proceedings and changed the course of political developments.
The situation surrounding Leire Díez and her accusations against Sánchez’s closest allies is just one example of how internal conflicts and power struggles can escalate into large-scale investigations. For Spanish society, such events are a reason to reflect on the transparency and accountability of those in power, while for politicians they serve as a reminder of the fragility of trust and the importance of reputation.
