Top Spanish ruling party official implicated in graft probe

A top official in Spain's ruling Socialist Party was implicated yesterday in a widening corruption investigation that has already ensnared a former close aide to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Santos Cerdan, the party's organisation secretary and its third-ranking figure, is suspected of being an accomplice in the alleged improper awarding of a public contract during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a newly published judicial report.

A judge said a police report "reveals the existence of consistent evidence" suggesting Cerdan acted in collusion with former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos and his former adviser, Koldo García Izaguirre, in exchange for financial gain.

Cerdan, who is also a member of parliament, has been invited to testify voluntarily before the Supreme Court on June 25.

Due to his parliamentary immunity, he cannot be formally charged unless the court proceeds with further steps.

"I am absolutely not afraid. I am completely certain that I will not be accused of corruption," he said as he arrived in parliament.

The investigation centres on public procurement of medical equipment during the early months of the pandemic.

Abalos, who served as transport minister from 2018 to 2021 and was once a key figure in Sanchez's administration, is accused of receiving illegal commissions through business contracts.

He faces charges of corruption, influence peddling, and embezzlement.

Abalos was dismissed from Sanchez's cabinet in 2021 and expelled from the Socialist Party earlier this year but remains a member of parliament as an independent.

His parliamentary immunity was lifted in January. During a court hearing in December, he denied receiving any kickbacks and maintained there were no irregularities.

Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, and his brother, David Sanchez, are also the target of separate investigations for graft.

The Spanish prime minister has dismissed the probes against members of his inner circle as part of a "smear campaign" carried out by the right wing to undermine his government.

"Sanchez can no longer hide: he owes the country explanations, resignations, and elections," the deputy leader of the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP), Cuca Gamarra, wrote on social network X yesterday.