Spain investigates senior PSOE aide Leire Díez for alleged case interference

Judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional opened a criminal investigation into Leire Díez, a former senior figure in the PSOE’s internal affairs network and ex‑head of the Guardia Civil’s DAO. Prosecutors allege Díez used her influence to obstruct or derail judicial inquiries that involve members of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s inner circle.

The probe includes summons for about twenty witnesses, among them PSOE president Cristina Narbona, the head of the Guardia Civil, senior UCO officials, and two lawyers linked to the case. Interrogations are scheduled to begin in early July, with Narbona slated to testify on 10 July. Investigators claim Díez received roughly €125,000 from the party and coordinated with the lawyers to discredit judges, prosecutors and members of the anti‑corruption unit (UCO). The case has been dubbed a “new Kitchen” affair, recalling a previous scandal involving illegal surveillance.

If substantiated, the accusations could further damage the credibility of the governing PSOE and raise questions about the administration’s handling of judicial independence.