Moncloa: PSOE Plumber Case – Offers & Denials
The Spanish government vehemently denies any connection to Leire Díez, a socialist militant, amidst a corruption probe. Díez is accused of offering a businessman a deal in exchange for compromising data related to a Civil Guard lieutenant colonel involved in the Koldo case and Begoña Gómez; however, officials are distancing themselves from this alleged scheme, stating Díez acted independently and without government authorization. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reaffirmed support for the UCO, emphasizing their judicial role. News Directory 3 provides a deep dive into these denials. the government maintains its composure,asserting no wrongdoing and dismissing Díez’s claimed influence and proposed pacts. Discover what’s next as the investigation unfolds.
Government Disavows Socialist Militant Amid Corruption Probe
Updated May 27, 2025
The Spanish government is distancing itself from Leire Díez, a socialist militant and former municipal official. Díez allegedly offered a businessman a deal involving the Prosecutor’s office in exchange for compromising information on Antonio Balas, a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Guard’s Central Operating Unit (UCO). Balas is involved in investigating the Koldo case and Begoña Gómez.
Government sources dismissed Díez’s offers as bluster, stating she acted without the mandate of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration. They claim she promised things beyond her power and lacked any official connection to the government.
Following a Council of Ministers meeting,Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska voiced support for the UCO,asserting it “fulfills its functions.” He emphasized that Judicial Police units operate under the guidance of the Fiscal Ministry and judicial authorities. Marlaska contrasted Sánchez’s government with that of Mariano Rajoy, denying any “patriotic police” directed by the Interior Ministry.
Marlaska stated that the judicial authority, not the government, is affected by leaked audios and will take appropriate measures to ensure the judicial procedure’s integrity. He also expressed concern over media accusations against the UCO, which he said implied a breach of their duties of neutrality, objectivity, and discretion.
Both Marlaska and spokesperson Pilar Alegría referred to the PSOE statement, which clarified that Díez is not on the party’s payroll, and they disavow her conversations and offers.
Government Claims “Calm” Amidst Koldo case
Government sources maintain they are “calm” as they “have not done anything wrong.” They argue that if the allegations were true, the matter would be in court, not on a website. They insist Díez acted independently and that her promises in the published conversations are false, as she could not guarantee meetings with the Prosecutor’s Office or a pact with the Foral Treasury of Navarra. The government will not take action against her, asserting they have “nothing to do with this person.”
Regarding her past roles as head of communication at ENUSA (2018-2021) and director of Philately, the government noted that “thousands of people” have worked in public companies. They believe Díez exaggerated her influence and lacked the authority to offer any of the alleged deals.
“There is no patriotic police,” the Executive emphasized, adding that the inquiry of Díez’s wife and brother would not make sense if such a force existed. “We are stoically enduring a series of false complaints that are being investigated,” they concluded.
What’s next
The investigation into the Koldo case and related allegations continues, with potential implications for various individuals and entities. Further developments are expected as judicial authorities assess the situation and take appropriate actions.