Spanish Prime Minister Defends Attorney General, Accuses Right-Wing Forces of “Mud Machine” Tactics
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Spain’s political landscape is increasingly fraught with accusations and investigations, as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defends key figures and points to a broader strategy of destabilization by right-wing opposition.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has staunchly defended the innocence of State Attorney General Álvaro Garcia Ortiz, particularly in light of recent trial proceedings. The defense came during a Sunday interview with El País, as an unprecedented trial began Monday against the prosecutor involving allegations of an email leak. Notably, a lawyer representing a partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, acknowledged during the trial that his client had defrauded the Treasury. García Ortiz has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he is not responsible for revealing secrets. The trial has already featured testimony from 20 witnesses over three days.
Scrutiny on Sánchez’s Family and Allies
The Prime Minister also addressed ongoing investigations involving his wife, Begoña Gómez, and his brother, David Sánchez. He expressed confidence that “everything will fall into place” and that “the truth will prevail.” When questioned about the possibility of political interference by the People’s Party (PP) and Vox, Sánchez criticized what he described as a “mud machine” launched by the right and far-right.
“Pseudo-unions such as Manos Médicas, Hazte Oír, present complaints based on cuts and what the opposition, the right and the extreme right, does is amplify them,” Sánchez explained. He characterized the situation as a “political and intellectual collapse of the center-right in Spain and Europe,” arguing they lack a viable project and rely on “noise, defamation and the spread of hoaxes.”
PSOE’s Response to Allegations and Future Elections
Regarding potential implications for his candidacy in the 2027 elections stemming from cases involving José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdan, Sánchez stated the outcome will depend on the investigation’s conclusions. He affirmed that both he and the PSOE have responded to these cases “with forcefulness and determination.” He also firmly denied any irregular financing of the PSOE, and expressed unwavering confidence in Minister Angel Victor Torres, highlighting Torres’s legal conduct during the pandemic while leading the Canary Islands.
Sánchez dismissed the prospect of calling early elections, despite Junts’ recent announcement to obstruct government initiatives in Congress. He asserted that parliamentary complexity is a result of the electorate’s will and that the current progressive coalition remains the only viable governance option. He emphasized the Executive’s commitment to the investiture agreement, stating they have fulfilled obligations within their competence and are working to address others.
Concerns Over the Rise of the Far-Right
The Prime Minister also addressed the growing support for Vox, describing it as “not good news.” He argued that the political, media, and intellectual right is capable of “whitewashing the extreme right” when not in power, citing immigration as an example. Sánchez attributed the increasing right-leaning sentiment among young people to the proliferation of “hoaxes” and “polarization” on social media, linking it to “a well-articulated far-right international.”
Sánchez concluded by emphasizing the need for greater cooperation with opposition parties, despite characterizing the PP as “surrendered to the extreme right and subscribed to absurdity.” He reiterated the government’s willingness to reach agreements, even with those holding opposing views.
