On Friday, representatives of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) circulated an internal letter throughout the organization. In it, the leadership expressed regret over the handling of anonymous complaints of sexual harassment and abuse of power brought against Francisco Salazar. This politician was long considered one of Pedro Sánchez’s closest allies and played a key role in major party campaigns.
The letter notes that communication with the women who submitted the anonymous complaints was insufficiently effective. The party leadership acknowledges that the situation calls for a review of their approach to communicating with those affected. The document emphasizes that the actions described in the complaints are completely incompatible with socialist values and have caused the party leadership deep regret.
Within the party, the incident has sparked a strong reaction. Many members have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with how the leadership responded to the reports of the complaints. In recent days, the issue has become one of the most heated topics among socialists.
Leadership response
The letter, sent to all regional branches, stresses that the investigation into Salazar is ongoing. Complaints received back in July are currently under review by a special committee on harassment. Party officials insist the process is proceeding strictly in accordance with internal regulations and deadlines are being met.
The next stage will be to prepare a final report presenting the conclusions and proposing measures the party may take regarding Salazar. This document will be sent both to the parties involved in the conflict and to the organizational secretariat.
The internal letter was sent not only to the federal leadership, but also to the heads of regional branches, those responsible for equality issues, and local press officers. This highlights the seriousness with which the party is treating the situation.
Internal Party Discussion
Although Pedro Sánchez has yet to comment publicly, internal debate within the party remains intense. Many activists are demanding greater transparency and more decisive action from the leadership. Some believe the party should have responded more quickly and proactively when information about the complaints surfaced.
The letter emphasizes that PSOE is committed to further improving internal procedures to prevent similar cases from recurring. The leadership promises to strengthen support for women facing harassment and to continue advancing its equality policies.
At the same time, party officials stress that the investigation must remain as objective as possible and that no undue pressure should be placed on those involved. The publication of the final report, which will determine the next steps in the Salazar case, is expected soon.
Plans and Expectations
It remains unclear what specific actions will be proposed regarding Francisco Salazar. The party emphasizes that a decision will only be made after all procedures have been completed and all circumstances of the case analyzed. According to internal protocol, all parties must be informed of the investigation’s results and given the opportunity to present their views.
The situation surrounding Salazar has become a major test for the PSOE. The party’s leadership has been forced to respond to criticism from both within the party and from the public. In the coming weeks, this issue is expected to remain at the forefront of Spanish media and political debate.
If you weren’t aware, Francisco Salazar is one of PSOE’s key political strategists, who has held important positions in the party’s central office since 2017 and was close to Pedro Sánchez. His name has often surfaced in connection with major election campaigns and internal reforms. In recent years, Salazar was responsible for coordinating work between the federal headquarters and the party’s regional branches.
