Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will address the nation on Monday to announce his decision regarding the ongoing corruption probe into his wife’s business dealings.
Sanchez, who has led the country since 2018 and was recently reappointed, is expected to make the announcement from the Moncloa palace in Madrid, his official residence.
Last Wednesday, Sanchez expressed his contemplation of resigning after a Madrid court initiated a preliminary investigation into alleged influence peddling and corruption involving his wife, Begona Gomez. In a letter posted on X, he stated the need to consider whether to continue leading the government or relinquish his position.
Supporters gathered outside the Socialist party’s headquarters in Madrid on Saturday, urging Sanchez to remain in office.
Despite the public prosecutor’s office’s request to dismiss the investigation, Sanchez suspended his public duties and remained silent.
Originally scheduled to launch his party’s campaign for the May 12 regional elections in Catalonia last Thursday, Sanchez’s absence left the event postponed. The outcome of his decision could lead to early elections in July or potentially involve the appointment of his replacement by parliament.
The court’s investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias, which has ties to the far right. While details of the case remain undisclosed, it is reportedly linked to Gomez’s connections to companies receiving government funding or securing public contracts.
Sanchez denounced the probe as part of a broader “harassment” campaign orchestrated by media influenced by the right and far-right, with support from conservative opponents. His government’s reliance on the hard-left and separatist parties for legislative support has drawn criticism from the opposition.
The ongoing scrutiny intensified following Sanchez’s decision to offer amnesty to Catalan separatists involved in the region’s failed push for independence in 2017.
As Sanchez weighs his options, the political landscape in Spain remains tense, with both supporters and opponents closely watching his next move.
