PSOE Harassment Inquiry Continues as Spain Commemorates Historic Consejo de Estado Anniversary
PSOE's harassment investigation into Francisco Salazar continues amid Spain's celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Consejo de Estado, with political debates intensifying.
- • PSOE confirms ongoing harassment investigation into Francisco Salazar despite his resignation.
- • King Felipe VI highlights the Consejo de Estado as Europe’s oldest institution during its 500th anniversary.
- • Pedro Sánchez underscores the institution’s role in Spain’s democratic history.
- • ERC demands clarity from the Minister of Agriculture on African swine fever management.
- • Political debates include criticisms from Vox on elections in Extremadura and remarks on Juan Carlos I’s youth video.
Key details
The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) continues to address ongoing harassment allegations against Francisco Salazar, a former close collaborator of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Salazar resigned from the party's executive area in July following the accusations, but the internal investigation remains active. Montse Mínguez, PSOE spokesperson, clarified that Salazar's resignation as a party member does not conclude the process, which will culminate in a final report by the party's anti-harassment commission to be sent to relevant authorities and complainants. The PSOE prides itself on pioneering anti-harassment protocols, approved in May 2025 and implemented in July, though it acknowledges challenges related to anonymous complaints and is working to improve its reporting system.
Simultaneously, Spain marked the 500th anniversary of the Consejo de Estado, the oldest institution in Europe, with a ceremony attended by King Felipe VI. The monarch emphasized the significance of institutional permanence in upholding Spain's prestige and democracy, noting this milestone coincides with the 50th anniversary of Spain's democratic Constitution. Prime Minister Sánchez also highlighted the Consejo de Estado's role in consolidating democracy in the country.
Political tensions remain high amid these events: Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) demanded explanations from Agriculture Minister Luis Planas concerning the African swine fever outbreak, calling for transparency and effective management. Vox leader Santiago Abascal criticized María Guardiola's decision to call elections in Extremadura, questioning her agricultural policy priorities. King Felipe VI also commented on a controversial video by former King Juan Carlos I aimed at youth support for the monarchy, describing it as unnecessary.
Together, these developments illustrate ongoing challenges within Spain’s political institutions, balancing historic commemoration with pressing contemporary issues like party accountability and public health crises.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
