The investigation into corruption and influence peddling, conducted under seal, was opened following the filing of a complaint by Manos Limpias, or “Clean Hands”, a platform linked to ultranationalist groups known for filing complaints related to far-right causes. .
Spanish law allows individual citizens or organizations to file a legal complaint even if they were not directly involved in the alleged criminal act. In 2021, Spain’s national court found Manos Limpias guilty of using the threat of legal action and smear campaigns to extort banks and companies. Although that conviction was overturned by the country’s Supreme Court earlier this year, magistrates noted that while the group had committed no crime, its operations were ethically “reprehensible.”
A leaked version of the complaint filed by Manos Limpias and published by the Spanish daily El Diario appears to consist of a letter from the organization accompanied by press clippings published by several newspapers. The lack of solid evidence to support the complaint suggests that the preliminary investigation could be concluded without any charges being filed, but the complaint visibly angered Sánchez, who has always sought to separate his political and personal lives.
“Should I continue to lead this government or give up this highest honor? Sánchez wrote. “Despite the caricature of me by the right, I am not attached to this position… My attachment is to my sense of duty and public service.”
Sánchez concluded his missive by announcing that he would address the nation on Monday and reveal whether or not he would resign.
The Spanish Prime Minister’s letter comes at a time when two major elections are on the horizon. On May 12, early regional elections will take place in Catalonia and a month later, Spaniards will participate in European elections.
Politico
