Alberto Aznar Calls for New Elections Amid Corruption Allegations. The former head of government has once again criticized the current administration. He is demanding early elections in response to corruption scandals. The authorities have not yet responded to his demands.
Political tension is rising in Spain: former Prime Minister José María Aznar has once again publicly called for early elections. His latest video address, published on social media, is already the second this week and the third in recent days, underscoring the growing conflict surrounding the current government.
Alberto Aznar, speaking on his Instagram and Facebook pages, stated that the country has found itself in a situation where “the only solution is new elections and a change of government.” According to him, economic difficulties, increasing tax burdens, and a high level of debt are combined with an “intolerable atmosphere of corruption,” which, in the opinion of the former head of government, requires immediate changes.
The video was recorded in Aznar’s usual style: once again, he appeared in a white shirt and jeans, as in his previous addresses. His activity in the public sphere has noticeably increased following the publication of UDEF reports, which heightened suspicions of corruption among the close associates of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Aznar’s calls for early elections are not new. Back in November 2023, he spoke about the need for urgent voting, and a few days later, at a meeting in one of Madrid’s universities, he stressed that the government would be acting outside the law if it did not call elections or a vote of confidence. Earlier this week, he reiterated his position, noting that “in the current situation, everyone should act to the best of their ability.”
The phrase “el que pueda hacer que haga,” which became symbolic of his rhetoric, was first used by Aznar in November 2023, shortly before Pedro Sánchez was confirmed as prime minister. Since then, he has repeatedly returned to this idea, including at events of the FAES foundation, which he heads. According to Aznar, only active civic engagement can prevent the destruction of the constitutional order and the justice system.
The issue of corruption and demands for decisive action from the authorities have repeatedly sparked heated debate in Spanish society. For example, a report on abuses was recently discussed in Congress, where PP representatives also insisted on the need for an immediate response — you can learn more about this in the article on the dispute over the Defensor del Pueblo report and the demands of the PP.
For reference: José María Aznar served as Spain's prime minister from 1996 to 2004 and remains one of the most prominent figures in Spanish politics. His statements traditionally provoke wide resonance, especially amid heightened disputes over corruption and the legitimacy of the current government. In recent years, Spain has faced a series of high-profile investigations, increasing public demand for transparency and renewal of the political system.
