Pedro Sánchez addressed Congress during a tense session to push back against mounting allegations of widespread corruption within his government. The Prime Minister insisted that recent scandals linked to the PSOE involve a small group of individuals who have already been expelled from the party. He argued that portraying the entire administration as corrupt is unfounded and creates a false public perception.
During his address, Sánchez detailed the basic cases putting pressure on his government, including those involving José Luis Ábalos, Koldo García, Santos Cerdán, and Leire Díez. He emphasized that these incidents do not represent the broader PSOE or its leadership. Sánchez said the party had removed those implicated and was cooperating fully with law enforcement, while also introducing new internal controls. He stressed that he had no prior knowledge of the offenses and would never have tolerated such actions.
Sánchez also drew a sharp distinction between the current cases and the so-called 'Zapatero case,' which he described as being in its early stages and lacking clear evidence. The Plus Ultra strand is under investigation at Spain’s National Court, where investigating judge José Luis Calama is examining whether the airline’s pandemic-era rescue involved influence peddling or other alleged offenses. The €53 million rescue was granted through the state industrial holding company SEPI in March 2021. The inquiry is ongoing, and its investigative steps do not amount to a final finding of wrongdoing.
The investigation also concerns alleged payments by Plus Ultra-linked entities to people in the orbit of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Plus Ultra owner Julio Martínez Sola told the court that the company paid an amount equivalent to about 1% of the anticipated rescue “in case of doubt,” approximately €530,000, with reports indicating that payments through related companies exceeded that figure. The inquiry is examining whether the payments were for legitimate consultancy or improper consideration connected to the rescue. Their legal significance has not been determined.
Businessman Julio Martínez Martínez, administrator of relevant analysis, testified that he passed information to Zapatero while the airline was seeking financing and kept him informed about its needs. That testimony is part of the inquiry into whether contacts influenced the state-backed rescue, but does not by itself establish that Zapatero affected SEPI’s decision. Martínez Sola also told the court that he did not know what Zapatero had done. Sánchez defended the handling of the rescue and said Zapatero, who had not held public office for 15 years, deserved the party’s trust.
The Prime Minister criticized the opposition, particularly the PP and Vox, accusing them of hypocrisy given their own history of corruption cases. He said the opposition parties face more than 50 open cases, with 150 individuals under investigation. Sánchez argued that, unlike his government, the opposition has not taken comparable steps to address corruption within its ranks.
Anticipating further negative headlines, Sánchez warned that the right would continue to use new revelations to undermine the government. He acknowledged public frustration with the constant stream of corruption news but insisted that not all politicians or parties are the same. He contrasted his administration's policies with those of previous governments, citing differences in employment, social welfare, and public investment.
Corruption scandals have long fueled political tension in Spain, often leading to resignations and shifts in public trust. The PSOE has faced scrutiny in the past, as have other major parties, including the PP. The current debate reflects ongoing challenges in restoring confidence in political institutions and ensuring accountability at all levels of government.
