Spain is experiencing a renewed wave of debate over political accountability and anti-harassment efforts after one of the country’s largest parties, PSOE, announced mandatory courses on equality and harassment prevention for all staff and leaders. This decision is a direct response to an internal crisis sparked by the Paco Salazar case, which has shaken not only the party but the entire political landscape.
The introduction of these new measures comes at a time when public pressure on the party is at its peak. After details of the Salazar case became public, a wave of discontent and demands for decisive action swept through PSOE. As a result, Secretary for Equality Pilar Bernabé presented a plan that includes not only training, but also a review of the party’s crisis management structures.
Party reaction
Internal disagreements within PSOE became apparent when it emerged that complaints against Salazar had long gone unaddressed. Many activists and regional leaders openly voiced dissatisfaction with the party leadership’s handling of the accusations. In particular, they criticized delays in processing complaints and a lack of transparency in the crisis management body’s work. Some party members even called for the case to be handed over to prosecutors, but this step was postponed.
In response to the criticism, Bernabé pledged not only to renew the composition and functions of the crisis committee, but also to activate the Council on Feminism, which already operates in some regional branches. This council is intended to serve as a platform for discussing the party’s strategy on equality issues and the protection of harassment victims. In the coming months, a special conference dedicated to these matters is planned, aiming to signal to all party members the leadership’s seriousness of intent.
Consequences of the scandal
The Paco Salazar case became a catalyst for sweeping changes in the structure and policies of the PSOE. Until recently, Salazar held senior positions within the party and was even considered for one of its key posts. However, following the publication of allegations and an internal investigation, he was forced to resign. This step did not stop the wave of criticism: soon after, several other high-ranking party members also left their posts, including Senator Javier Izquierdo and the President of the Lugo province, José Tomé.
Internal party conflicts intensified after attempts to rehabilitate Salazar became known. Some leaders, including former minister and head of the PSOE branch in Aragón, Pilar Alegría, met with him publicly, which provoked a new wave of outrage among activists. On social networks and at meetings, accusations were voiced about attempts to cover up the scandal and conceal the true scale of the problem.
Measures and new rules
In response to criticism and internal protests, PSOE leadership announced the launch of an ’emergency action plan.’ Now, all employees, activists, and officials are required to undergo training on equality issues and the prevention of harassment. In addition, the party’s legal department has begun revising complaint procedures to make them more transparent and accessible to all those affected.
Special focus has been placed on creating new advisory bodies that will include representatives from various feminist movements. These structures are expected not only to assist in developing strategy, but also to oversee the implementation of new rules. The party emphasizes that such measures have already proven effective in some regional branches, and now this experience will be extended nationwide.
Public Resonance
Society’s reaction to the developments within PSOE has been mixed. On one hand, many welcome the party’s resolve to combat harassment and support victims. On the other, there are accusations that the measures are overdue and aimed at saving the party’s reputation after a major scandal. Social networks are actively discussing the details of the Salazar case, as well as the actions of certain leaders who, according to critics, ignored the problem for too long.
Intraparty debates continue, and it remains unclear whether the new measures will lead to real change or remain a formality. However, it is evident that the scandal surrounding Salazar has become a turning point for PSOE, forcing the party to reassess its internal mechanisms and publicly declare its priorities regarding equality and the protection of victims’ rights.
