Sánchez Defies Corruption Scandals: Spanish Prime Minister Gains Ground in Latest polls
Despite a series of damaging corruption allegations, Spanish Prime minister Pedro Sánchez and his PSOE party are experiencing a surge in popularity, according to the latest barometer from the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), published this Monday. The survey, conducted during a period of intense scrutiny following reports of illicit cash payments to former minister José Luis Ábalos, reveals a widening gap between the PSOE and the opposition Popular Party (PP).
The CIS data indicates that the PSOE would secure 34.8% of the estimated vote, a six-point increase that puts them 15 points ahead of the PP, which currently stands at 19.8%. This unexpected resilience comes amidst investigations into multiple corruption cases, including the “Koldo-Ábalos-Cerdán” plot, and allegations involving figures like Begoña Gómez and David Sánchez.
The third major political force, Vox, remains a significant contender, trailing closely behind the PP with a projected 21.8% of the vote. This positioning, according to reports, could embolden the current government to call for early elections, anticipating a favorable outcome with a weakened PP and a strengthened Vox. Smaller parties, Sumar and Podemos, are projected to maintain levels similar to those seen in September, with 7.7% and 4.9% respectively.
Notably, Sánchez himself is rated as the most favorably viewed political leader, achieving an average grade of 4.4, despite not reaching a passing score. Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz follows with a 4.24, while PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo lags behind with a 3.46. Furthermore, 42.3% of those surveyed favor Sánchez as the next president of the government, a substantial lead over Abascal (16%) and Feijóo (13.5%).
The opposition PP has reacted with sharp criticism, questioning the credibility of the CIS findings. “It truly seems that ‘stealing’ gives him ‘votes’,” a senior PP official posted on social media, adding that Sánchez is “one defendant and two jokes away from having absolute power in the CIS of Tezanos.” Another party representative asserted that “all the surveys that are not signed by a socialist give victory to the Popular Party.”
Beyond electoral projections, the CIS survey also assessed public opinion on key government ministers. Minister of Economy, Carlos Body, received the highest rating with an average score of 5.41,followed by Pablo Bustinduy,Minister of Social Rights and Consumption (5.32), and Margarita Robles, Minister of Defense (4.92).
The survey also touched upon broader societal issues. The 50th anniversary of Franco’s death emerged as a relevant topic,with 65.5% of respondents viewing the years of the dictatorship as “very bad or bad,” and 74.6% believing the current democratic regime is “much better or better” than the Franco era. This finding aligns with reports that the government intends to leverage ideological issues, including the legacy of the dictatorship, alongside concerns about Gaza and abortion rights, to mobilize its base.
Concerns about the situation in Gaza are high, with 67.6% of respondents expressing “very or quite” concern. public opinion on the government’s handling of the situation is divided, with 38% expressing agreement and 30.5% disagreeing. Domestically, housing (37.1%), immigration (20.5%), and the quality of employment (18.3%) were identified as the most pressing issues facing Spaniards. Despite these concerns, a majority – 66% – reported a “very good or good” personal economic situation, while 21.2% described it as “bad or very bad.”
The CIS data presents a complex picture of the Spanish political landscape, suggesting that, at least for now, corruption allegations are not substantially impacting the PSOE’s electoral prospects.
