Spain’s Prime Minister Issues Apology After Aide Santos Cerdán Implicated in Corruption

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly apologised on Thursday after senior Socialist Party figure Santos Cerdán was named in a high-level corruption investigation tied to public contracts.

A leaked police report published Wednesday identified Santos Cerdán, one of Sánchez’s closest allies and the Socialist Party’s third-in-command, as a key figure in an alleged illegal commission scheme. The case, now under review by Spain’s Supreme Court, accuses Cerdán of handling kickbacks related to government contracts.

In response, Cerdán tendered his resignation, prompting Sánchez to express regret for having trusted him. “I want to ask forgiveness to the public,” said Sánchez. “Neither the Socialist Party nor I, as its general secretary, should have placed our trust in him.”

Speaking from the party headquarters in Madrid, Sánchez stressed he only became aware of the charges hours earlier. He confirmed that Cerdán is maintaining his innocence and pledged to initiate an independent audit of the party’s finances to ensure transparency.

Despite mounting pressure from opposition leaders, Sánchez rejected calls for early elections. “This is not about me or the Socialist Party. It’s about delivering on a project to bring positive change to Spain.”

This is the latest in a string of legal inquiries involving members of Sánchez’s inner circle, including a 2024 investigation into his wife, Begoña Gómez, over alleged influence peddling. That probe prompted Sánchez to briefly step back from his role to consider his political future.

Although none of the investigations have led to formal charges against Sánchez, the recurring scandals have added pressure on his minority government. Still, he maintains the support of junior coalition partners and regional leftist parties in parliament.

“There is no crisis in my government,” Sánchez declared, reaffirming his leadership and the government’s stability despite the controversy.

Cerdán, who had worked alongside Sánchez since 2011, held one of the most influential roles within the party. His sudden fall from grace marks another political blow to Spain’s ruling Socialist Workers’ Party, as it works to maintain public trust and legislative momentum.

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