Spain’s Sánchez Stands Firm: No Grounds To Drop Support For Corruption-Investigated Ex-PM Zapatero

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defends corruption-accused predecessor as investigation intensifies Madrid, Spain — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday dismissed calls to withdraw support for his predecessor, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who is now under investigation for alleged corruption in public contracts awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement to reporters, Sánchez said there was “no reason” to condemn Zapatero, whose case has drawn renewed scrutiny following the publication of new details this week. The investigation centers on contracts linked to the government’s pandemic response, which critics allege were awarded without proper oversight. Zapatero, a former prime minister from the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), has been a key figure in Spanish politics for over a decade. His legal troubles come amid a broader wave of corruption probes targeting senior officials in Sánchez’s government, including a separate case involving a former transport minister and trusted Sánchez ally. The case against Zapatero has sent shockwaves through the PSOE, with party officials reportedly in “shock” over the allegations. The investigation, which involves an international scheme, has raised questions about the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability. While Sánchez has refused to distance himself from Zapatero, the political fallout has intensified pressure on the government. Opposition parties have seized on the case to demand Sánchez’s resignation, arguing that his refusal to condemn Zapatero undermines public trust in his administration. The investigation remains ongoing, with no charges filed against Zapatero at this stage. However, the revelations have reignited debates about corruption in Spanish politics, particularly in relation to pandemic-related spending. For now, Sánchez continues to stand by his predecessor, insisting that the allegations do not justify political retaliation. But with the case still unfolding, the political consequences for both Zapatero and the PSOE could grow more serious in the coming weeks.