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Spanish police entered the Madrid headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation, adding to a turbulent period for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government. The search, confirmed by the Civil Guard, came amid a series of graft allegations that have touched Sánchez's inner circle, including his wife, his brother, and a former prime minister.

The operation targeted the party's offices on Calle de Ferraz in Madrid, with officers seeking information related to an alleged illegal payments scheme, as reported by Deutsche Welle. The Civil Guard said the search was part of a National Court probe into alleged corruption by a former party member involved in a state-run company. A PSOE spokeswoman told Catalunya Radio that the party was calm and cooperating fully with authorities.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Deutsche Welle and The Guardian highlight overlapping but distinct aspects of the widening scandal. Both outlets confirmed the police search and the investigation into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling. However, The Guardian placed greater emphasis on the immediate legal troubles facing Sánchez's family members, while Deutsche Welle focused on the broader political pressure on the government.

Deutsche Welle reported that Zapatero, a close ally of Sánchez, is under investigation in connection with the state bailout of Plus Ultra airline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The outlet noted that this makes Zapatero the first Spanish prime minister—current or former—to be formally investigated since Spain's return to democracy after Francisco Franco's death in 1975. The Guardian, meanwhile, detailed that Sánchez's brother, David Sánchez, will go on trial over allegations he received a bespoke job from a socialist-led council, and that Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, has been summoned to appear in court over accusations of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master's degree course.

Key Claims

The police search of the PSOE headquarters in Madrid is part of a National Court probe into alleged corruption, according to Deutsche Welle, which cited the Civil Guard. The search follows protests in Madrid over the weekend, with opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo of the People's Party (PP) saying Sánchez's government "stinks" of corruption and renewing calls for early elections.

Zapatero's investigation centers on the €53 million ($62 million) bailout of Plus Ultra airline, approved in 2021 through the state holding company SEPI. Critics have suggested Zapatero may have facilitated the aid due to his business ties in Venezuela, where some of the airline's shareholders are based. Zapatero has denied any wrongdoing and is scheduled to appear before a judge on June 2, according to Deutsche Welle. The Guardian reported that he will appear on 18 and 19 June, though the discrepancy in dates may reflect different stages of the judicial process.

Sánchez has expressed support for Zapatero, as reported by Deutsche Welle, and has dismissed allegations against his family as part of a "harassment and bullying operation" waged by political and media opponents, according to The Guardian. Both David Sánchez and Begoña Gómez have denied wrongdoing, with investigations initiated following complaints from the pressure group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which The Guardian described as having far-right links.

Perspectives

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's office: Sánchez has insisted that his family members have committed no offence and has questioned the independence of some judges, claiming "there's no doubt that there are judges doing politics and there are politicians trying to do justice," as quoted by The Guardian.

Opposition People's Party (PP): The PP has been highly critical, with leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo accusing the government of corruption and demanding early elections, a stance reported by Deutsche Welle.

Former PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero: Zapatero denies any wrongdoing in connection with the Plus Ultra bailout, a denial confirmed by both Deutsche Welle and The Guardian.