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Int'l Business Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Spanish PM Vows To Fight On As Corruption Scandal Grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on Thursday after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals-- none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase -- have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on Friday it was "untenable" for him to continue. The situation was "agonising" for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on Thursday, a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. "It's not enough to say sorry," Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. "What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence," she told AFP. The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. "The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing," Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister who is close to Sanchez, said Friday during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. "He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him," he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in parliament to try to topple Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in "the biggest wave of corruption" if they refused. Analysts say Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox -- a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. "They won't let Sanchez fall -- not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more," said Roman. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP. Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists.
MTV Lebanon
13-06-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on Thursday after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals-- none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase -- have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on Friday it was "untenable" for him to continue. The situation was "agonising" for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on Thursday, a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. "It's not enough to say sorry," Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. "What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence," she told AFP. Earn trust The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. "The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing," Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister who is close to Sanchez, said Friday during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. "He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him," he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in parliament to try to topple Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in "the biggest wave of corruption" if they refused. Analysts say Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox -- a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. "They won't let Sanchez fall -- not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more," said Roman. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife and brother are under judicial investigation in separate cases. PHOTO: REUTERS Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on June 12 after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Mr Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Mr Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Mr Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals – none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase – have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on June 13 it was 'untenable' for him to continue. The situation was 'agonising' for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on June 12 , a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. 'It's not enough to say sorry,' Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Mr Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Professor Paloma Roma n, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Mr Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. 'What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence,' she told AFP. Earn trust The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. 'The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing,' Mr Oscar Lopez, a Cabinet minister who is close to Mr Sanchez, said on J une 13 during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. 'He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him,' he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Mr Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in Parliament to try to topple Mr Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Mr Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in 'the biggest wave of corruption' if they refused. Analysts say Mr Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox – a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. 'They won't let Sanchez fall – not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more,' said Roman. Mr Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP. Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Spanish PM vows to fight on as corruption scandal grows
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is fighting to keep his job, as corruption allegations prompted the resignation of a close aide and sparked tension in his minority coalition. The scandal erupted on Thursday after the Supreme Court said Santos Cerdan, the third-highest ranking figure in Sanchez's Socialist party, was suspected of involvement in awarding of public works contracts in return for kickbacks. The case is linked to a broader investigation that already ensnared former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, once a close ally of the prime minister. Sanchez is not accused of any wrongdoing but the case adds to mounting legal scrutiny of his inner circle. His wife, brother and Spain's top prosecutor, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, are all under judicial investigation in separate cases. The scandals-- none of which have gone beyond the preliminary investigation phase -- have fuelled demands from his critics for him to resign and call early elections. Centre-right newspaper El Mundo wrote in an editorial on Friday it was "untenable" for him to continue. The situation was "agonising" for the Socialist leader, who was been in office since 2018, wrote conservative newspaper ABC. Speaking at his party's headquarters on Thursday, a sombre-looking Sanchez apologised for the scandal but vowed to serve out his term until 2027. But his ruling coalition junior partner, far-left party Sumar, called for a change in the government's direction in the wake of the scandal. "It's not enough to say sorry," Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, the founder of Sumar, told reporters. At the same time Catalan separatist party Junts has requested an urgent meeting with Socialist leaders to assess the viability of the legislature. Sanchez's fragile minority government relies on Junts to pass laws in parliament. Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid's Complutense University, said Sanchez may be forced to call a confidence vote to reassert control. "What Sanchez needs to do now is to calm his allies' criticism by providing them with more information and addressing the issue of confidence," she told AFP. - 'Earn trust' - The government has so far refused to call a confidence vote. "The prime minister has to keep earning the public's trust every day, as he's doing," Oscar Lopez, a cabinet minister who is close to Sanchez, said Friday during an interview with news radio Cadena Ser. "He has a duty to carry out his campaign promises and not let down the millions who voted for him," he added when asked whether a vote of confidence was being considered. The main opposition Popular Party (PP) has called repeatedly for Sanchez to step down. But PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has ruled out the idea of proposing a motion in parliament to try to topple Sanchez, warning it could backfire and bolster the Socialist leader if it fails. He instead urged Sanchez's allies to reconsider their support, saying they would be complicit in "the biggest wave of corruption" if they refused. Analysts say Sanchez's coalition partners are reluctant to withdraw their support, fearing that doing so could pave the way for a PP government supported by far-right party Vox -- a prospect many regional and leftist parties view as unacceptable. "They won't let Sanchez fall -- not out of love, but because they fear a PP-Vox government even more," said Roman. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP. Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists. du/ds/jxb
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Goodbye 40-hour week? Spain moves closer to a shorter workweek as Parliament considers historic bill to cut hours for over 12 million workers
Spain Moves to Shorten Workweek for Millions Political Roadblocks Ahead Live Events FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Spain is making a bold move towards redefining the future of work, as it has taken a step that could impact the daily lives of over 12.5 million workers, the Spanish government approved a bill to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 37.5 hours, as per a bill, which was unveiled on Tuesday, now will go to the Spanish parliament for approval, according to Euronews. If approved, it would be the country's first official decrease in working hours since 1983 and usher in a big change for private sector workers in sectors like manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and retail, as per the country's Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz said, "Today, we are modernising the world of labour and helping people to be a little happier," quoted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration has a steep fight ahead of it to have its suggested reduced workweek passed into legislation since it does not have a majority in parliament, according to the report. That means the approval of the bill rests on obtaining votes from smaller parties, some of which are already complaining, as per the nation's largest trade unions are supporting the shift to reduce the standard workweek to 37.5 hours, business organizations are opposed to it, cautioning that it may pose problems, particularly for small firms, as per the plan was proposed by Sumar, Sánchez's left-wing junior coalition partner, but one of its occasional allies, the Catalan nationalist party Junts , has been sceptical about the proposal, as per Euronews. Junts are concerned that the reduced time could harm small businesses and self-employed workers under a shorter working week, reported to the report, the coalition government would have to balance the demands of Junts and other smaller parties to get the bill Spanish government wants to reduce the standard workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours, as per but not recently. The last official reduction in work hours was in 1983, when the week was cut from 48 to 40 hours.
