Spain's socialist government faces corruption probes and court sentencing

Spanish authorities continue to investigate alleged corruption involving senior figures of the socialist party. An opinion piece highlights accusations against former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, citing claims of money‑laundering, influence‑peddling and a network dealing in gold, oil and food intended for Venezuela, which could damage public finances and trust in institutions.

A separate editorial discusses the Spanish Supreme Court's sentencing of former transport minister José Luis Ábaló, a long‑time aide of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The commentary warns that the ruling could prompt political backlash, calls for Sánchez to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence, and suggests the episode may intensify pressure on the government ahead of future elections.