“They’re trying to create a sense of widespread corruption that doesn’t exist," Spain's prime minister insisted
Spain’s prime minister is feeling the heat as a series of corruption investigations ensnare his political allies and family members, all while he maintains both his own innocence and portrays the allegations as “smear tactics” that aim to topple his Socialist-led coalition.
“They’re trying to create a sense of widespread corruption that doesn’t exist,” Pedro Sánchez told MPs on Wednesday. The embattled premier rose to power with a vow to “cleanse the system” and tackle corruption that had been the downfall of his predecessor Mariano Rajoy.
The stakes got higher on Monday when Sánchez’s close associate and transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, was sentenced to 24 years in prison on corruption charges. Not only did the verdict deal a reputational blow to the prime minister, it prompted speculation that others might be encouraged to cooperate with investigators, presumably paving the way to further convictions that would make Sánchez’s position untenable.
Yet for the time being, the prime minister is standing firm and has portrayed himself as a political target under attack by opponents and hostile media forces.
