Spain’s Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, implemented a new policy banning members from paying for sex, following a corruption scandal involving alleged kickbacks and the hiring of sex workers. The decision came after a leadership shake-up on July 5, prompted by the detention of former party official Santos Cerdan on July 1, who faces charges of bribery, criminal organization, and influence peddling related to a €500 million public works contract scheme. Sanchez announced the ban, stating that it aligns with the party’s values, with expulsion as the penalty for violations. The move aims to address public concerns amid ongoing investigations. The scandal intensified with Cerdan’s preventive detention ordered by Supreme Court Judge Leopoldo Puente, based on evidence from the Guardia Civil’s anti-corruption unit. Additionally, Francisco Salazar, a close ally of Sanchez and institutional coordinator at the Moncloa Palace, resigned on July 5 over allegations of sexual harassment reported by female staff, further complicating the party’s response. No specific number of affected contracts or additional arrests was detailed, but the investigation continues to explore the scope of the corruption network. The policy change follows a poll indicating public discontent, with opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the People’s Party calling for transparency. The Socialist Party’s federal committee, a key decision-making body, endorsed the measures, though no immediate impact on Sanchez’s government stability was reported. The next steps involve ongoing judicial proceedings, with Cerdan maintaining his innocence, and the party’s efforts to restore credibility remain under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
34news.online
34news.online
