Spanish Socialist Party Faces Another Scandal Amid Allegations Against Francisco Salazar

The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) is once again in the spotlight after allegations of sexual harassment emerged against one of its prominent members, Francisco Salazar. This scandal is yet another blow to the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has been struggling to recover from a series of corruption accusations that have plagued his administration in recent months.

Allegations Against Francisco Salazar

On July 6, 2025, the PSOE announced that Francisco Salazar, a socialist deputy and close ally of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, had been dismissed from his positions within the party following allegations of sexual harassment. According to a statement from the PSOE, the party has initiated an internal investigation, although no official complaints have yet been filed. The allegations, first reported by News Room USA, suggest that Salazar engaged in inappropriate conduct, further tarnishing the party’s image.

Prime Minister Sánchez addressed the issue indirectly, urging women who experience harassment to report such incidents through official party channels. However, he refrained from mentioning Salazar by name. This cautious approach has drawn criticism from both political opponents and members of the public, who view it as insufficient given the gravity of the accusations.

Broader Context of Scandals

The allegations against Salazar come on the heels of a series of corruption scandals that have significantly damaged the credibility of the PSOE and Sánchez’s government. Last month, Santos Cerdán, a senior figure in the party and one of Sánchez’s closest allies, was placed in pre-trial detention in connection with a corruption investigation. This case also implicated José Luis Ábalos, a former minister and ex-leader of the PSOE.

These scandals have been described as some of the most severe in the party’s history. Emiliano García-Page, the president of the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha, called for Sánchez to submit to a vote of confidence in Parliament, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency. “The current crisis, in terms of corruption, is the most serious in the history of the PSOE,” García-Page stated during a meeting of the Federal Commission of the party in Madrid.

Impact on Sánchez’s Leadership

Pedro Sánchez, who has led the PSOE since 2014 and became Prime Minister in 2018, is now facing mounting pressure from both within his party and from the opposition. The center-right Popular Party (PP) has been particularly vocal, accusing Sánchez of presiding over a “mobster administration.” In a rally held in Madrid last month, the PP attracted tens of thousands of supporters, signaling growing dissatisfaction with Sánchez’s leadership.

Despite these challenges, Sánchez remains defiant. During a recent speech, he acknowledged the “difficult days” his government and party are facing but reaffirmed his commitment to continue in his role. Sánchez argued that stepping down would pave the way for a coalition between the PP and the far-right Vox party, which he described as an “ultra-right coalition.” He also highlighted the positive performance of the Spanish economy and the international recognition of his government’s foreign policy efforts.

The Road Ahead

The PSOE’s handling of these crises will likely determine the future of Sánchez’s leadership and the party’s standing in Spanish politics. While some party members, like García-Page, advocate for greater accountability, others believe that Sánchez should focus on steering the government through these turbulent times. The opposition, meanwhile, is expected to capitalize on these scandals to bolster their position ahead of upcoming elections.

As Spain grapples with these political upheavals, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the country’s political landscape and restoring public trust in its institutions.