FALCON POWERS – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Monday that he has decided to remain in his position, following days of speculation about his future after an investigation into commercial corruption involving his wife.
The center-left prime minister, aged 52, surprised both his opponents and allies when he stated that he would suspend his public duties for “a few days” to decide whether he wanted to continue leading the government. He described the investigation against his wife, Begoña Gómez, on charges of influence peddling and commercial corruption as orchestrated by his opponents. Sánchez met with King Felipe VI on Monday, a necessary step if he were to resign, but he announced in a televised address that he had informed the king of his decision to continue.
He stated that the broad support he received at the beginning of the week encouraged him to stay.
In a televised broadcast, Sánchez said, “I have decided to continue as prime minister, with even greater strength if possible. This is not business as usual; things will be different.”
His announcement of a potential resignation caused further political turmoil in Spain, which has already experienced the challenge of a divided parliament in forming coalition governments after closely contested elections. If necessary, new elections would be the fourth in Spain within five years.
