Spain's PSOE embroiled in Leire Díez corruption investigation

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) says it has provided "all possible explanations" regarding the scandal surrounding former party activist Leire Díez, who is accused of coordinating a scheme to influence judicial investigations that affect the government and the party. Party spokesperson Montse Mínguez told TVE that the PSOE is cooperating with the judiciary and that the matter is now for the courts.

Judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional has postponed the interrogation of Guardia Civil director Mercedes González to the following morning and has scheduled the testimony of PSA senior officials. Both González and the deputy operational director Manuel Llamas are being investigated for alleged pre‑varication and obstruction of justice after the Guardia Civil’s Central Operative Unit (UCO) reported three meetings with Díez.

PSOE president Cristina Narbona appeared as a witness, confirming she first met Díez in 2017 and stating, "I have no knowledge of the alleged plot." She described the UCO findings as "concerning indications" but reiterated her presumption of innocence. Two prosecutors, Diego Villafañe and Beatriz López, also testified about meetings with Díez and lawyer Jacobo Teijelo and said they had reported the encounters to the former chief prosecutor Álvaro García Ortiz.

The investigation centres on alleged attempts to manipulate judicial processes, including alleged pressure on the UCO and the use of party channels to obtain privileged information. The case continues to involve senior PSOE members, senior Guardia Civil officers, and prosecutors, highlighting a deepening political‑crisis within Spain’s ruling party.