Spanish ex-minister linked to Panama Papers withdraws his bid for World Bank job

Spain’s former industry minister, who resigned after coming under scrutiny over his links to a company that appeared in the Panama Papers, has withdrawn his application for a senior job at the World Bank, a government source said.

Jose Manuel Soria could not be contacted for comment on Tuesday but newspaper El Mundo also reported he had told the economy ministry in a letter he was withdrawing after being asked to by the government and because of how his application was being used politically.

Soria’s nomination as his country’s representative at the World Bank, announced on Friday by the acting centre-right government, sparked public outrage in Spain and drew criticism from across the political spectrum.

The news came at a sensitive time in Spanish politics, where bickering between parties is edging the country towards its third election in a year.

He stepped down as minister in April after reports surfaced of his alleged links to an offshore company on the British island of Jersey, saying he was resigning to limit any damage to the caretaker government. Soria has denied any wrongdoing.

The conservative People’s Party (PP) has governed in an acting capacity since losing its majority in an inconclusive election in December following a string of corruption scandals.