Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered sharp criticism toward Madrid regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso following the Supreme Court’s ruling against former Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz. Sánchez stressed that it is Ayuso, and not anyone else, who should publicly apologize for the ongoing scandal involving leaked information about her partner’s tax affairs.
The Prime Minister made his statement at an event held at the UGT union headquarters, dedicated to the memory of the organization’s founder and Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party leader Pablo Iglesias Posse. Sánchez linked the court’s decision to recent events at Madrid’s Torrejón de Ardoz hospital, where another controversy over government transparency and accountability has unfolded.
Reaction to the verdict
The Supreme Court found García Ortiz guilty of disclosing confidential information to the press regarding alleged tax violations by Ayuso’s partner. The court also noted that a press release issued by the prosecutor’s office in March 2024 violated legal standards. Commenting on the situation, Sánchez stated that García Ortiz was only defending the truth and the integrity of the prosecutor’s office, and that responsibility for the scandal rests with political opponents.
The Prime Minister recalled that Ayuso’s chief of staff, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, referred to Ayuso’s partner as ‘Alberto Quirón’ in his communications, which, according to Sánchez, indicates attempts to conceal details of the situation. He stressed that the opposition has no right to lecture others after such a verdict, since the real problem lies in the actions of the regional authorities.
Political consequences
Sánchez also touched on the issue of internal strife within the Partido Popular (PP). He reminded that the party’s current leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, found himself in a difficult situation after his predecessor, Pablo Casado, was forced to step down following a conflict with Ayuso related to suspicions of corruption involving her brother.
According to Sánchez, Feijóo chose not to enter into open confrontation with Ayuso in order to avoid sharing the same fate as Casado. Instead, the Prime Minister claims, the opposition leader decided to maintain the status quo and not demand explanations from Ayuso regarding the possible privatization of Madrid’s healthcare system.
Accusations and rhetoric
In his speech, Sánchez noted that the details of Ayuso’s personal life or that of her relatives are not important to him. What matters, he said, is that the opposition is not offering real solutions and is only making accusations and insulting the government. He emphasized that this strategy is meant to wear down society and create disillusionment with politics.
Sánchez assured that the socialists have no intention of giving up and will continue working for the country’s progress. He called on his supporters not to give in to provocations or let the opposition dictate the agenda through scandals and attacks.
Intraparty disagreements
During his speech, the Prime Minister also reminded that Feijóo had promised to run a constructive campaign and refrain from insults. However, according to Sánchez, in reality the opposition offers neither new ideas nor a clear program, but only increases polarization in society. He expressed confidence that despite the pressure, the government will continue to implement its plans and reforms.
