May 27, 2026, 2:46 p.mMay 27, 2026, 2:46 p.m
As part of a corruption investigation, the Spanish police carried out a large-scale and high-profile operation at the headquarters of the ruling party PSOE in Madrid. Contrary to initial media reports, it was not a search, but a “request for documents,” as the State Court in Madrid announced.
Media representatives gather in front of the PSOE headquarters in Madrid.Image: keystone
In addition, the homes and offices of several former high-ranking officials of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s party were searched on Wednesday or asked to hand over documents. The state TV broadcaster RTVE spoke of a “political earthquake”.
The operation is related to the investigations against the former PSOE organizational secretary Santos Cerdán and other people, the judicial statement said. It is therefore about suspicion of bribery, illegal influence and an alleged system for awarding government contracts in exchange for bribe payments. Cerdán resigned from his party position in June last year after the affair broke out.
Sánchez rejects calls for new elections
It was not the first police operation at the PSOE party headquarters in Madrid. The left-wing government is rocked by several corruption scandals. Prime Minister Sánchez himself has not yet been accused. After a meeting with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican and under the impression of the new mission, Sánchez once again assured the judiciary of full cooperation.
Pedro Sánchez belongs to the PSOE party.Image: keystone
The head of government vigorously rejected the conservative opposition’s renewed demand for a new parliamentary election. The Cerdán case was already a year ago. “But if there are new cases, we will act with the same determination,” he assured.
The corruption scandals are increasing
Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo speaks of “systemic corruption in the government”. Charges have been brought against Sánchez’s former transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, and he and his former adviser Koldo García are in custody. The indictment accuses both of them of corruption in connection with the procurement of protective masks during the corona pandemic.
Sánchez’s wife Begoña Gómez and his brother David Sánchez are also being investigated for corruption. Just a few days ago, investigations into corruption were initiated against the former socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (2004-2011), who is considered a close confidant of Sánchez. (hkl/sda/dpa)