Pedro Sánchez's attempt to restore stability within Spain’s ruling socialist party following damaging corruption claims that endangered his coalition government has faced a major setback after a party official stepped down amid allegations of sexual harassment.
The prime minister had hoped the weekend gathering of his Spanish Socialist Workers’ party (PSOE) federal committee would help the party recover from weeks of damaging scandals that contradicted the ethical and anti-corruption commitments central to its rise to power seven years earlier.
However, those hopes were disrupted late Friday when the online news outlet *elDiario* reported accusations from several female PSOE employees, alleging they had been subjected to sexual harassment by Francisco Salazar, who managed institutional coordination at the Moncloa palace, the prime minister’s official residence and workplace.
Following the report, Salazar announced on Saturday that he was resigning from his role in the Moncloa palace and from his newly assigned position as a deputy in the PSOE’s organizational secretariat.
Speaking to *elDiario*, Salazar claimed he had no memory of any improper conduct. “I’ve thought hard about it, and it seems unbelievable to me,” he said. “I keep asking myself if I ever said something inappropriate to a colleague, and honestly, I can’t recall any such instance.”
Sources from Moncloa confirmed an inquiry had been initiated but clarified that no formal complaints against Salazar had yet been filed.
On Saturday, Sánchez reiterated his regret for what he described as misplaced trust in those implicated in misconduct, stating: “I made a mistake in trusting people who didn’t deserve it, but we are committed to upholding democratic integrity.”
The prime minister, facing increasing demands to call an early election, dismissed any suggestion of resignation.
“When the waters grow turbulent, the captain doesn’t abandon his post—he steers the ship through the storm,” he said.
Salazar’s departure marks another challenge to Sánchez’s leadership and decision-making.
Earlier in the week, Santos Cerdán—previously the PSOE’s organizational secretary and a key ally of Sánchez—was detained after a supreme court judge cited “substantial evidence” linking him to potential kickbacks in public construction contracts.
The investigation followed reports from Spain’s Civil Guard anti-corruption unit, which submitted materials suggesting Cerdán had discussed bribes with former PSOE transport minister José Luis Ábalos and one of the minister's aides, Koldo García. Both Ábalos and García, who deny wrongdoing, are also under scrutiny. Cerdán—who resigned from his party role and parliamentary seat after the allegations surfaced—has pledged to prove his innocence.
Read next
Bolivia Probes Ex-President Evo Morales for Suspected Involvement in 2009 Killings
The Bolivian attorney general has initiated an investigation into former leftist president Evo Morales, citing allegations of his involvement in the murder and torture of European nationals in 2009.
In 2009, police conducted a raid on a Santa Cruz hotel, resulting in the deaths of Eduardo Rózsa Flores, a Bolivian-
Argentina Closes Iguazu Falls Temporarily Due to El Niño-Induced Water Surge
Heavy rainfall driven by a potent El Niño weather pattern temporarily led Argentinian authorities to close tourist access to the renowned Iguazu Falls. The closure occurred due to concerns that rising water levels might cause the river to overflow its banks.
On Monday, national park officials implemented this precautionary measure
Mysterious Drones Strike Two Vessels Near Bulgarian Coast – Europe Live
Morning Update: Two Ships Targeted by Drones Off Bulgarian Coast
This morning, two ships in the Black Sea near Bulgaria were struck by drones of unknown origin. The attack led to the sinking of one vessel and initiated emergency rescue operations, as reported by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Rescue