SPAIN: PEDRO SANCHEZ REFUSES TO RESIGN FROM HIS POSITION

In an institutional statement addressed to the Spanish people, the president, Pedro Sánchez, has reported that he will continue to govern despite the fact that he feels “beaten” by the accusations of embezzlement that are being examined by Justice.

For five days, Sánchez had ceased his activities as head of the government, stating that he needed a “pause of reflection” of several days to decide whether he would continue governing or leave his position.

The origin of the problem was the complaint made by a right-wing political union, called “Clean Hands”, against Sánchez's wife, accused of embezzlement and corruption. The complaint was accepted by a Madrid magistrate, which caused a political commotion.

Pedro Sánchez assured today that both he and his wife, Begoña, “are prepared and willing to fight these accusations” which, in his opinion, are slanderous. However, Justice will continue the judicial process opened to clarify whether Begoña Gómez has committed a serious crime of embezzlement in favor of her friends and family.

Sánchez governs at the head of a coalition, described as “Frankenstein” by the opposition, made up of socialists, communists, independentists from Catalonia and the Basque Country, and former terrorists from the ETA gang, now dissolved but responsible for more than 800 murders.

The Socialist Party, led by Sánchez, has congratulated itself on the “great value” represented by the decision to continue governing while his wife will be called to appear in court.

 In his opinion “Today democracy wins. Today they gain respect and dignity. May collective reflection contribute to dignifying politics. For the good of the institutions, to serve the citizens. There is no other policy than the useful one. Let's work for her."

The main right-wing party, the “Popular Party”, led by Alberto Feijoo, has condemned Sánchez's continued stay in power with the judicial situation open against his wife. 

The Spanish right has been calling for the resignation of the president of the government for eight years, but he clings to his position against all odds. Spain will continue, therefore, in the midst of what most resembles political chaos.