MADRID: Thousands of supporters of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gathered at the headquarters of his Socialist party, urging him not to resign amid a graft investigation involving his wife.
Sanchez, 52, who has led the country since 2018, shocked Spain by offering his resignation after a Madrid court initiated a preliminary inquiry into alleged influence peddling and corruption by his spouse, Begona Gomez.
Announcing that he would suspend all public duties until Monday, Sanchez has remained out of the public eye since then.
The rally in support of Sanchez drew approximately 12,500 people, according to Madrid city authorities. Demonstrators displayed placards declaring “Spain needs you” and chanted slogans like “Pedro leader”.
“I hope Sanchez will decide to stay on Monday,” said Sara Dominguez, a consultant in her 30s, praising his government’s initiatives for women, the LGBT community, and minorities.
Jose María Diez, a 44-year-old government official, expressed concern that the far-right could seize power if Sanchez resigns, potentially jeopardizing rights and liberties.
Inside the party headquarters, government officials echoed calls for Sanchez to remain in office. Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero urged unity to “move the country forward”, while Minister of the Presidency Felix Bolanos rallied democrats and progressives against attempts to overthrow the government.
The court’s investigation into Sanchez’s wife stemmed from a complaint by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias. The group’s leader, associated with the far right, filed the complaint based on media reports.
While details of the case remain undisclosed, reports suggest it revolves around Gomez’s ties to the tourism group Globalia during Air Europa’s bailout negotiations with the government amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Sanchez denounced the investigation as harassment by media influenced by the right and far-right. The public prosecutor’s office has called for the dismissal of the case.
If Sanchez chooses to stay in office, he may seek a vote of confidence in parliament to affirm support for his government. Alternatively, his resignation could prompt an early election.
The opposition accused Sanchez of irresponsibility, criticizing the uncertainty created by his decision-making process. Cuca Gamarra, the deputy of the main opposition party, labeled the situation as reminiscent of a soap opera, asserting that the country is at a standstill.
