MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday dismissed allegations of “widespread corruption” against his Socialists after an ex-top aide was jailed for a graft scandal that risks toppling the government. A string of corruption investigations into relatives and former top political allies has jeopardized the position of Sanchez, viewed as a global left-wing hero for his clashes with US President Donald Trump and Israel.

The investigation and subsequent trial have intensified pressure on Pedro Sánchez

The Spanish leader is struggling to disassociate himself from a number of corruption cases involving his close political allies.