Spain’s Pedro Sanchez to continue as prime minister after stopping to ‘reflect’ on his future
- Last week, the 52-year-old said he was thinking about resigning after a judge opened a case alleging influence-peddling against his wife Begona Gomez
- Sanchez’s critics accused him of playing the victim, and many in his party are unhappy with the way he handled the issue
Pedro Sanchez said he will continue as Spanish prime minister after retreating from public view for days to consider his future.
Sanchez announced his decision in a televised statement from his official residence in Madrid. Last week, the 52-year-old said he was thinking about resigning after a judge opened a case alleging influence-peddling against his wife Begona Gomez.
The announcement comes not long into a hard-won third term in office and ends days of confusion. He has repeatedly said the investigation is part of a right-wing plot to harass his family.
I have decided to continue, with more energy if possible, as the head of the government
“I have decided to continue, with more energy if possible, as the head of the government,” he said, without taking any questions. “I assume, in front of you all, my commitment to work tirelessly, firmly and calmly for the necessary regeneration of our democracy.”
Sanchez said he needed “to stop and reflect” on the growing polarisation within politics, which he said was increasingly being driven by “deliberate disinformation”.
While his fellow Socialists called on him to stay at a demonstration over the weekend, Sanchez’s critics accused him of playing the victim, and many in his party are unhappy with the way he handled the issue.
The inquiry into Gomez’s business dealings was instigated by an anti-corruption organisation with far-right links.