Pilar Alegría, the official spokesperson for the Spanish government, has openly admitted that her recent meeting with Francisco Salazar—a former Moncloa staff member and member of the PSOE—was a mistake. The meeting took place after internal complaints of sexual harassment against Salazar had already been filed by several women. The minister emphasized that such contact should never have happened and expressed regret over the incident.
In early November, Alegría was spotted having lunch with Salazar at a restaurant in central Madrid. At the time, she stated that the meeting was strictly personal and did not involve any professional matters. However, as the controversy surrounding the allegations against Salazar intensified, the minister’s stance changed. At a press conference following a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Moncloa, she said she had agreed to meet at Salazar’s request, but now considers it a serious mistake.
Reaction and emotions
Alegría does not hide her deep disappointment and sense of betrayal. She emphasized that her personal feelings cannot compare to what the women who were harassed have endured. The minister expressed solidarity with the victims and stressed that it is they who now need society’s and the authorities’ support and attention.
In her statement, Alegría emphasized the need to see the investigation through to the end. According to her, the PSOE party must do everything possible to uncover the truth and take appropriate action. The minister stressed that any form of harassment is unacceptable and that those responsible must be held accountable.
Internal Party Investigation
The PSOE party has already launched an official investigation into the allegations made in anonymous testimonies by two women who worked under Salazar at Moncloa. The party leadership announced its intention to thoroughly examine all aspects of the case and prevent any attempt to cover up such incidents. In the near future, the party’s anti-corruption committee is expected to publish its final report, which may be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for further action.
The Salazar scandal has provoked widespread public outcry and has become a topic of discussion not only among politicians but also ordinary citizens. Many are demanding transparency and justice, as well as stricter measures to prevent such cases in the future. Within the party itself, there is acknowledgment that the situation requires decisive action and maximum openness.
Government Position
The Spanish government, represented by Alegría, emphasizes the importance of supporting those affected and the need to create a safe working environment for all public sector employees. The minister noted that such incidents undermine trust in government institutions and damage the country’s reputation. She called on her party and government colleagues to act with the utmost responsibility and to prevent such situations from recurring.
At the same time, Alegría stressed that the investigation must be objective and impartial. She expressed confidence that the party and state authorities would be able to properly assess what happened and take the necessary steps to protect the rights of all involved.
For reference, Pilar Alegría holds the position of Minister of Education and Vocational Training and serves as the official spokesperson for the Spanish government. In recent years, she has repeatedly launched initiatives aimed at protecting women’s rights and combating discrimination. Francisco Salazar previously held senior positions in the Moncloa administration and was one of PSOE’s key officials, but after allegations against him surfaced, he was removed from all party and government duties.
