A new phase of political confrontation is heating up in Spain: the Partido Popular (PP) has officially summoned former Socialist Organization Secretary Santos Cerdán to appear before the Senate for the Koldo case (caso Koldo) hearings. The session is scheduled for December 17—just four days before the regional elections in Extremadura. This move is yet another escalation in the string of high-profile actions and statements by the opposition, aiming to increase pressure on Pedro Sánchez’s government and his inner circle.
This past Sunday, a massive protest organized by the PP took place in Madrid. The very next day, the party announced new measures against the Socialists, without specifying future dates but clearly outlining immediate plans: questioning Cerdán in the Senate, where the opposition holds an absolute majority. This time, the former party official will appear before the commission as a defendant, after spending more than one hundred days in pretrial detention at Soto del Real.
Political Pressure
PP Secretary General Miguel Tellado, speaking at a press conference at party headquarters on Génova street, called Cerdán one of the key figures in the corruption schemes linked to Sánchez’s circle. This is already Cerdán’s second Senate summons: in April 2024, he answered senators’ questions while still under the protection of the party and Sánchez himself. This time, the situation is different—Cerdán is a defendant in the case and is required to check in regularly at the court in Tafalla (Navarra).
On Monday morning, Sedrán returned to court to comply with a court appearance order set by Supreme Court Judge Leopoldo Puente after his release from custody. Journalists were waiting for him outside the courthouse, but the former party official limited himself to a brief comment, promising to provide further explanations “in due time.”
Elections and Accusations
Senate hearings coincide with the final week of the election campaign in Extremadura. This gives the PP an opportunity not only to attack the Socialists over the Koldo case but also to use the situation against the PSOE candidate in the region, Miguel Gallardo, who is also under a separate investigation linked to Sánchez’s brother. Although these cases are officially unrelated, the opposition often combines them in their statements to increase pressure on the ruling party.
The PSOE believes that the PP’s actions are aimed at diverting attention from its own problems in Extremadura. Socialist spokesperson Montse Mínguez stated that the opposition is turning the Senate into a political stage, using it for a “circus” and manipulating public opinion. She recalled that similar tactics had been used before, such as summoning the Prime Minister to the Senate on the eve of major events.
New defendants
During the press conference, Tellado did not rule out summoning Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, for hearings if new circumstances emerge or new reports appear in the media. He stated that the party will seek clarification from everyone who may be involved in corruption schemes, and reminded that it took more than a year and a half after the commission was formed to summon Sánchez himself to the Senate.
The PP also intends to call the current Secretary of State for Telecommunications, Antonio Hernando, who is a witness in another case — Leire Díez. In addition, the guest list includes the son of former minister José Luis Ábalos — Víctor Ábalos — following his interview with a national publication.
Mass Protests
Last Sunday, a large-scale rally was held at the Templo de Debod in Madrid under the slogan ‘Efectivamente: mafia o democracia’ (‘Indeed: mafia or democracy’). According to authorities, around 40,000 people attended, while organizers claimed 80,000. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo sharply criticized Sánchez, suggesting that the prime minister might share the fate of his colleagues — Sedrán, Ábalos, and Koldo García — all of whom are under investigation.
The following day, Tellado reaffirmed the party’s tough stance, stating that ‘there are never two without three, and perhaps not even three without four,’ hinting at a possible expansion of those accused. He emphasized that the PP will continue to demand transparency and accountability from everyone involved in major corruption scandals.
