Lorraine Williamson
Facing the most intense political pressure of his premiership, Pedro Sánchez has announced he will stay on as Prime Minister despite acknowledging that he seriously contemplated resignation. The decision follows fierce criticism over a corruption scandal involving his party’s organisational secretary, Santos Cerdán.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday morning, Sánchez admitted he had considered stepping down and calling a snap election. But, quoting the Spanish phrase “tirar la toalla nunca es una opción” (throwing in the towel is never an option), he insisted his duty to the country demanded perseverance, not retreat.
A pledge to rebuild trust
Sánchez, visibly emotional at times, said he felt “disappointed, especially in myself,” but maintained he had no prior knowledge of wrongdoing. The Prime Minister used the address not only to defend his position but also to unveil a 15-point reform package aimed at restoring public confidence in government institutions.
But, quoting the Spanish phrase “tirar la toalla nunca es una opción” (throwing in the towel is never an option), he insisted his duty to the country demanded perseverance, not retreat. Hours later, he reinforced that message on social media, writing on X: “I’m not going to throw in the towel. I’m going to keep going. Because I am a clean politician, because I aim to regain the trust of the majority of this chamber, and because this political project goes far beyond my person and is still not complete.”
The proposals include the creation of an independent integrity agency, greater transparency for political donations over €2,500, and advanced AI systems to detect fraud in public procurement. Stricter controls on party financing and stronger whistleblower protections also form part of the legislative push. Companies found complicit in corruption will face tougher penalties.
Coalition allies cautious but supportive
Sánchez’s minority government depends on a fragile coalition, and reactions from his partners were mixed. Sumar leader Yolanda Díaz welcomed the adoption of ten of her party’s proposals, calling it a “step forward”. ERC’s Gabriel Rufián expressed cautious support, warning that continued backing would hinge on tangible progress.
Others were less convinced. Basque nationalist party PNV and Catalonia’s Junts issued sharp critiques, with PNV reminding Sánchez, “You’re in injury time.” Nonetheless, none formally withdrew support—an indication that, for now, the government’s stability holds.
Opposition calls resignation ‘inevitable’
Conservative opposition leaders were quick to dismiss Sánchez’s speech as damage control. The Partido Popular (PP) and far-right Vox lambasted the Prime Minister, branding his reform plan as “cosmetic” and portraying him as the figurehead of a corrupt political machine.
Despite the hostile rhetoric, Sánchez struck a defiant tone. “This is not about clinging to power,” he said. “It is about taking responsibility.” He urged all parties to join in restoring institutional trust, arguing that the reforms are a starting point for genuine democratic renewal.
A fragile mandate and the road ahead
Spain’s political climate has grown increasingly polarised in recent years, with Sánchez often walking a tightrope between progressive allies and conservative critics. This latest storm has tested his leadership like never before. Yet, by choosing to stay and face the fallout, Sánchez has staked his premiership on a promise: to clean house, restore credibility, and prove that resilience trumps retreat.
Whether the public and his parliamentary allies will accept that remains to be seen—but for now, Pedro Sánchez has bought himself time.
Sources: Europa Press, El Pais