Surreal claims, lawfare and abuse: toxic politics in Spain reflect the new Europe
GuardianApr 29
Spain: Pedro Sánchez to Remain in Office Amid Corruption Probe
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The Facts
Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced Monday that he will not resign from his position, ending speculation about his future five days after he took time off to "reflect" on whether or not to step down.
Last Wednesday, Sánchez made the stunning decision to take time off after a court initiated preliminary proceedings against his wife on allegations that she used her position to impact business transactions.
The Spin
Left narrative
Europe's emerging far-right has established positioning in Spain, and Pedro Sánchez is the latest victim of the right wing’s vicious onslaught against its enemies. Manos Limpias is notoriously linked with far-right causes, and it is looking to take down Sánchez and his wife with allegations that have no merit. In fact, the group even admitted that it had no idea if the allegations were true. Sánchez had every reason to step down in an effort to mitigate that abuse, but he instead chose to stay in office to avert a political crisis.
Right narrative
In addition to failing to be effective in executing the duties of prime minister, Pedro Sánchez's government has been in corruption and scandals for the last five years. Instead of taking accountability and pursuing transparency, he has decided to play the victim in an effort to score political points. Sánchez never intended to resign, and he simply took a five-day vacation to allow the media to smear those who criticize his wife’s shady business dealings. Sánchez may try to promote "decency," but he's all about power.
Nerd narrative
There is a 22% chance that Spain will announce a snap general election before January 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.