Sánchez denies 'widespread corruption' in government, rejects early elections

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vehemently denied the existence of "generalized corruption" within his government, asserting his administration's integrity before the Congress of Deputies. His special appearance came under significant political and judicial scrutiny, particularly following the recent corruption conviction of his former close associate and Transport Minister, José Luis Ábalos.

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Certain political and media actors are trying to mix, to equate and thereby confuse people, to create a sense of generalized corruption that, I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, does not exist.

"Certain political and media actors are trying to mix, to equate and thereby confuse people, to create a sense of generalized corruption that, I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, does not exist," Sánchez declared. He emphasized that his government has not engaged in irregular financing and urged against prejudging other cases affecting his inner circle. The Prime Minister identified three key factors creating a "cloud" over public discourse: Ábalos's conviction, a judicial investigation involving former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and ongoing cases concerning his wife, Begoña Gómez, and brother, David Sánchez.

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I never knew nor would I have tolerated any of these practices.

Sánchez particularly questioned the judicial proceedings against his wife, who is under investigation for alleged influence peddling. He stated that the investigation into his wife and brother proceeded against the Public Prosecutor's advice. He also criticized precautionary measures, such as the prohibition of leaving the country, as exceeding "all reasonable limits." On Wednesday, Judge Juan Carlos Peinado summoned Begoña Gómez to court to surrender her passport as part of provisional measures following the opening of a trial against her for alleged influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement, and misappropriation. Her defense has appealed the decision, challenging its basis.

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The instruction against my wife, also against my brother, has been made against the advice of the Public Prosecutor.