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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to appear before Congress on Wednesday, June 24, to address multiple corruption investigations that have engulfed his government and the Socialist Party (PSOE). The appearance, described as a "test of fire," comes at a time of maximum political weakness for the governing coalition.
Sánchez will face questions about the judicial probe into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who is under investigation for alleged influence peddling and money laundering. Police seized jewelry valued at €1.3 million from his office safe, and Zapatero failed to clarify its origin in his recent testimony Source: lavozar. Another source confirms that Zapatero's testimony did not convince the judge Source: clarin.
Additionally, Sánchez's wife Begoña Gómez is barred from leaving Spain and will face trial for allegedly profiting from her husband's position. His brother David Sánchez awaits sentencing for allegedly being hired for a tailor-made position in Badajoz. The former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos was sentenced to 24 years in prison, and investigations continue into a PSOE-financed smear campaign [Sources: both].
Coalition partners such as PNV and Junts per Catalunya have expressed that the legislature may be exhausted due to these scandals Source: clarin. Sánchez will also face criticism at the PSOE's federal committee meeting on Saturday, June 27, amid poor results in four recent regional elections Source: lavozar.
“El presidente del Gobierno español, Pedro Sánchez, comparecerá este miércoles 24 de junio ante el Congreso para rendir cuentas por las múltiples causas judiciales que acechan a su gestión.”
“Rodríguez Zapatero, quien declaró ante el juez la semana pasada, no convenció al magistrado acerca de su inocencia.”
“Joyas y sospechas de lavado: la Justicia mantiene el foco sobre un lote de joyas, tasadas en 1,3 millón de euros, que fueron secuestradas en una caja fuerte de la oficina de Zapatero.”
Sánchez currently rules out an early election. His strategy involves presenting the 2027 general budget after the summer; if not approved, he might consider a snap election in early 2027 Source: clarin.
“Para algunos de ellos, como el Partido Nacionalista Vasco o Junts per Catalunya, la Legislatura se agotó con los casos de corrupción que acechan al gobierno y al Partido Socialista.”