PSOE Faces Intensifying Corruption Scrutiny Amid Internal and Judicial Turmoil

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) is currently embroiled in multiple investigations and internal challenges linked to corruption allegations and harassment claims. The Supreme Court has initiated a trial against former Minister José Luis Ábalos, his former advisor Koldo García, and businessman Víctor de Aldama over irregularities in pandemic-related mask contracts. Diana Morant, Minister of Science and PSPV leader, condemned Ábalos, distancing herself by labeling him a "putero" and asserting he does not represent PSOE's feminist or ethical values. Morant stressed her non-association with Ábalos and pledged full cooperation with judicial processes, describing the case's audio evidence as "repugnant."

Parallel investigations involve Juan Carlos Barrabés, the businessman connected to the case of Begoña Gómez, who appeared before a Senate inquiry. Barrabés denied all professional ties to Koldo García, currently imprisoned, highlighting that his companies acted with "absolute regularity" and refraining from answering further questions to protect his legal rights.

Internally, PSOE has responded to ongoing harassment accusations by convening Equality secretaries Rebeca Torró and Pilar Bernabé to manage the burgeoning crisis within the party. Recent political developments include the Congress's rejection of the government's budget ceiling and the approval of public employees’ salary increases for 2025 and 2026, despite mounting criticism directed at Minister María Jesús Montero due to association with figures detained in corruption probes.

In the wider anti-corruption climate, detentions have extended to executives linked to public companies such as Plus Ultra, suspected of money laundering. Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz has publicly criticized opposition parties for failing to present substantive anti-corruption proposals, underscoring the need for decisive action. This period highlights PSOE's struggle to navigate both internal dissent and external judicial pressures as Spain confronts high-profile political accountability issues.