Spanish PM announces he will remain in office until 2027 elections despite corruption scandals

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Sunday that he intends to remain in office until the 2027 parliamentary elections, despite the growing corruption scandals engulfing his Socialist Party, key allies, and figures within his political circle. This was reported by Euractiv, according to UNN.

Details

Speaking at a convention of the youth wing of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), Sánchez defended the government's performance following the Socialists' first major defeat in Andalusia, which was previously one of their strongholds.

"Socialism may stumble, but we never give up," he declared. "We will continue to govern until 2027. And even beyond!"

The Spanish leader emphasized that voters need more time to feel the results of the government's social and economic policies, dismissing calls for early elections amid ongoing judicial investigations.

Former Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a long-time ally of Sánchez, is also under investigation by Spain's National Court in a case involving influence peddling and money laundering related to financial aid for the airline Plus Ultra, which has ties to Venezuela.

Spanish police recently searched the PSOE headquarters in Madrid as part of a separate investigation into alleged interference in judicial proceedings involving current and former party members.

Spanish PM Sanchez's party headquarters searched27.05.26, 11:26 • 3712 views

As the publication notes, the scandals have exacerbated internal divisions within the Socialist camp.

Emiliano García-Page, the influential Socialist leader of the Castilla-La Mancha region and one of Sánchez's primary internal critics, stated that the party is facing its most dangerous moment since Spain's return to democracy and called for a vote of confidence or early elections.

Tensions are also rising among the regional and separatist parties that provide Sánchez with parliamentary support.

"Given the situation, we believe the term is coming to an end," said Aitor Esteban, leader of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), one of the coalition's key allies. The Catalan party Junts has also called for early elections.

At the same time, both parties refused to support a vote of no confidence against Sánchez proposed by the far-right Vox party.

Pressure on Sánchez is likely to intensify in June, as Zapatero is scheduled to testify on June 17–18, and a Supreme Court decision is expected by summer in a corruption case involving former minister José Luis Ábalos.

Socialists suffer historic defeat in Spain's Andalusia elections18.05.26, 03:15 • 4082 views