Sexual Harassment Allegations Stir Political Turmoil in Spain's Parties
Recent sexual harassment allegations against politicians from both PP and PSOE have intensified demands for accountability and transparency in Spain's political parties.
- • Manuel Bautista, PP's mayor of Móstoles, is accused of sexual harassment.
- • PSOE criticizes PP for allegedly covering up harassment allegations.
- • Francisco Salazar of PSOE resigned amid similar harassment accusations and will testify in Senate's Koldo Commission.
- • Political parties face growing pressure to address sexual harassment openly and enforce accountability.
Key details
In February 2026, serious sexual harassment allegations have rattled Spanish politics, involving key figures from both the People's Party (PP) and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).
Manuel Bautista, mayor of Móstoles and a member of the PP, faces accusations of sexual harassment towards a local councilor. The PSOE has sharply criticized the PP for allegedly concealing the case instead of taking immediate action. On social media, PSOE highlighted the discrepancy between the parties, stating, "We are not the same. If they applied their own standards, everyone should resign, including the mayor of Móstoles." The PSOE is demanding accountability and resignations from those implicated.
The PSOE itself has grappled with similar issues. Francisco Salazar, a close associate of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, resigned from his positions in Moncloa and the Ferraz party headquarters after facing sexual and labor harassment allegations. Salazar is set to testify before the Senate's Koldo Commission on the matter, marking the commission's first 2026 hearing. The PSOE has faced criticism for not prioritizing swift resolution of such complaints within its ranks.
This wave of allegations underscores ongoing struggles with sexual harassment in Spanish political circles, revealing differing party approaches to handling accusations. Meanwhile, the political climate remains tense, with PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo calling for unity among centrist-right voters amid political challenges from Vox.
Historical context includes frequent political testimony regarding harassment cases, with 98 hearings recorded in the previous two years, reflecting increased scrutiny.
These developments represent a critical moment for transparency and justice in Spain's political environment, with both major parties under pressure to demonstrate accountability and change.
As investigations and testimonies proceed, calls for resignations and stricter measures against harassment continue to shape Spain's political discourse.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
