Spain's Sánchez government faces multiple corruption probes

Spain’s anti‑corruption unit (UCO) has intensified scrutiny of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s inner circle. The probe links former Correos chief and ex‑chief of staff Juan Manuel "Juanma" Serrano to alleged public‑contract irregularities and a scheme to influence judicial proceedings. Parallel investigations allege illegal financing of the PSOE, with businessman Víctor de Aldama providing new testimony on purported oil‑money transfers, and former Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero’s undisclosed jewels valued at €1.3 million.

Separately, a parliamentary commission in the Canary Islands concluded that former regional president Ángel Víctor Torres, now a national minister, personally drove the “mask‑procurement” scandal, bypassing standard controls and prompting questionable contracts worth millions. The report criticises Torres for appointing unqualified personnel and for a delayed, inadequate response, casting further doubt on the credibility of the Sánchez administration.

Both investigations underscore a growing pattern of alleged mismanagement and corruption within senior ranks of the Spanish government, raising political pressure on Sánchez and his allies.