Spain's Sánchez asks for forgiveness amid fresh corruption scandal
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Thursday asked his compatriots for forgiveness following fresh allegations of corruption.
"I apologize to the citizens," a visibly shocked Sánchez told journalists in Madrid, admitting that the new revelations filled him with "great indignation and deep sadness."
The 53-year-old announced an external audit of the finances of his Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and also a reorganization of the party executive.
Just under two hours earlier, the party's number three, Santos Cerdán, resigned as secretary due to his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal.
Cerdán also announced that he would be giving up his seat as a member of parliament.
According to a report by the UCO police unit responsible for corruption offences, he allegedly received bribes over the awarding of public contracts.
The 56-year-old has maintained his innocence, however.
Various corruption scandals have plagued the left-wing minority government in Spain, which has been in power for seven years.
Former transport minister José Luis Ábalos as well as Sánchez's wife Begoña and his brother David Sánchez are among those under investigation.
The revelations are likely to provide further ammunition to the Spanish opposition, which has condemned cronyism and corruption within the PSOE and Sánchez's family.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the conservative People's Party (PP), called for elections on Sunday at a protest rally against the government attended by tens of thousands of people in Madrid.
The demonstration took place under the slogan "Mafia or democracy."
The is also burdened by several corruption scandals.
Sánchez ruled out the possibility of an early general election and said the next vote will take place as planned in 2027.
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