Spain: Police raid HQ of PM's Socialist party in graft probe
dw.com • • world
Key Points:
- Police searched the Madrid headquarters of Spain's ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) as part of a National Court probe into alleged corruption involving a former party member linked to a state-run company.
- The investigation follows graft allegations affecting several members of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's inner circle, including former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, his wife, and brother.
- Zapatero is under scrutiny for possible influence in securing a €53 million bailout for Plus Ultra airline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with allegations of kickbacks and involvement in a network of shell companies, which he denies.
- Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo accused Sanchez's government of corruption and called for early elections, echoing demands from recent protests in Madrid.
- Sanchez, currently in the Vatican, defended Zapatero and denied any reason to withdraw support, while acknowledging the public's concerns and previously apologizing amid related investigations involving his party members.