Pedro Sánchez Faces Parliamentary Motion to Resign Amid Corruption Scandals

Spain's Congress of Deputies approved a non‑binding motion urging Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign over a series of corruption investigations affecting members of his party and family. The vote recorded 177‑178 support, with the opposition parties People's Party (PP), Vox and Junts supporting the motion. Sánchez responded in a heated parliamentary appearance, rejecting accusations of systemic corruption, denying any knowledge of illicit practices, and insisting he will not step down. He defended recent government actions and warned against political “lawfare”.

Key corruption cases cited include former minister José Luis Ábalos, sentenced to 24 years for illegal commissions during the COVID‑19 procurement of masks, investigations into Sánchez’s wife Begoña Gómez and brother David Sánchez, and a probe into former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over a airline rescue. The PSOE’s federal committee convened amid internal tensions, while opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo intensified calls for Sánchez’s departure, promising a “strong, united” Spain without corruption. International outlets noted Sánchez appeared “impervious” and “outside the reach of a powerless opposition”. Despite the parliamentary pressure, Sánchez maintained that his government will continue to legislate and that the motion has no legal effect.