A former high-ranking member of Spain’s ruling Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has been ordered to remain in custody by a supreme court judge amid an ongoing investigation into corruption allegations. The case has intensified scrutiny on the country’s center-left government.
Santos Cerdán, who previously served as the PSOE’s organizational secretary and was a key aide to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, stepped down earlier this month after a judge identified substantial evidence suggesting his possible involvement in receiving illicit payments related to public construction contracts.
The accusations against Cerdán mark the latest in a series of corruption allegations tied to figures close to Sánchez. In response, the prime minister called for Cerdán’s resignation and issued a public apology but rejected demands for an early general election.
On Monday, Cerdán appeared before the supreme court to address allegations—which he denies—of bribery, influence peddling, and criminal association. Following his testimony, Judge Leopoldo Puente ordered him to remain in custody, denying bail.
The probe was launched after materials from the Guardia Civil’s anti-corruption division suggested Cerdán had discussed receiving kickbacks with former PSOE transport minister José Luis Ábalos and one of the minister’s aides, Koldo García. Both Ábalos and García are also under investigation and have denied any misconduct. Cerdán, who resigned from his party role and parliamentary seat soon after the allegations surfaced, maintains his innocence.
Sánchez, who came to power in 2018 after a vote of no confidence ousted the scandal-plagued conservative People’s Party (PP), is already facing separate investigations involving family members, both of whom deny wrongdoing. Additionally, a former PSOE member was recently linked to an alleged campaign to discredit the Guardia Civil unit handling the corruption case.
Following the judge’s ruling, Sánchez stated, “We acted decisively, and it is now up to judicial authorities to determine Mr. Cerdán’s accountability.”
The PP, however, seized on the development to reiterate its call for an early election. Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo said, “Sánchez’s handpicked deputy from just six months ago is now heading to prison on serious charges, including bribery. If this doesn’t warrant resignation and an election, it shows [Sánchez] has completely lost touch with reality.”
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