On Friday in Toledo, bold statements were made by Sara Simón, head of the Equality Department for the Castilla-La Mancha government and secretary for municipal policy in the regional Socialist branch. She openly questioned the integrity of the internal party elections in which Pedro Sánchez became the PSOE’s general secretary. According to Simón, the voter lists in the province of Guadalajara were artificially inflated, raising serious doubts in her mind.
Simón explained that during the primaries—when Sánchez, Susana Díaz, and Patxi López were competing for leadership—dozens of new members appeared suddenly in some party cells, and no one could account for their origin. She emphasized that, at the time, there was no way to file an official complaint because it was unclear who was behind these actions or exactly how the voter lists had been expanded.
Doubts and frustration
The Secretary for Equality noted that such cases were not limited to just one province. According to her, colleagues in other regions also encountered similar situations. Simón admitted she lacks direct evidence, but is convinced that something suspicious happened in her province—something that was no secret within the party ranks.
She added that these issues had been raised at the leadership level, but no clear response or explanation was provided by the party leadership. Now, as new scandals erupt within the party, Simón believes that many past events are becoming more understandable.
Internal conflicts
Simón does not hide her disappointment: she speaks of the “deep pain” caused by what is happening at the top levels of the PSOE. In her view, the party that has always stood for equality and justice has found itself embroiled in a string of troubling incidents. What worries her most is that key figures at the center of the scandals were close to Sánchez and actively supported him during the primaries.
She recalled that two former organizational secretaries have already come under investigation, and one of them has even ended up in prison. In addition, a former advisor—who was one of Sánchez’s closest allies during his campaign—has also come under scrutiny. Simón is convinced that such coincidences cannot be accidental.
Accountability and Demands
The Secretary for Equality sharply criticized the federal leadership for trying to shift responsibility onto the women heading the equality departments. She claims they are being used as a “shield” to deflect attention from the real issues. Simón reminded that when women tried to voice their complaints through internal channels, they were simply ignored.
According to Simón, in the current situation it is the Secretary General who must come forward to party members and the public with an explanation. She believes Sánchez must take responsibility for the actions of those he appointed, regardless of whether he was aware of what was happening.
Crisis of trust
When asked about Sánchez’s possible resignation, Simón gave an evasive answer, emphasizing that the decision is his alone. However, she insists that it is no longer possible to hide behind colleagues—it is time for personal accountability. She also urged fellow party members not to stay silent but to demand explanations and declare that what is happening does not reflect the true values of the party.
Simón expressed regret that the current crisis casts a shadow over the work of thousands of honest PSOE members who work every day in various institutions for a better future for society. She stressed that the party must restore its impeccable reputation and become a model of ethics and morality.
In conclusion, Simón recalled the centenary of the death of Pablo Iglesias, the party’s founder, and remarked that if he saw what is happening today, he would be deeply disappointed.
As RUSSPAIN.COM previously reported, a scandal erupted in Torremolinos after allegations of harassment against the local Socialist leader. PSOE leadership temporarily suspended him from his post, and the prosecutor’s office launched an inquiry following a complaint from a fellow party member. Female leaders of the party voiced their support for the victim. For more details, see our previous article.
