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Euractiv
a day ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
Even corruption probes can't ground Sánchez's holiday plans
As Pedro Sánchez lands in the Canary Islands for his annual summer retreat, the turbulence rocking his government is still waiting for him on the mainland Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Inés Fernández-Pontes Euractiv Jul 28, 2025 05:40 4 min. read Analysis, News Based on factual reporting, although it Incorporates the expertise of the author/producer and may offer interpretations and conclusions., Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. MADRID – Under fire at home and in the air, the Spanish prime minister is learning that even a corruption scandal can't cancel summer in the Canary Islands. A bombshell police report released in early June has detonated what many now call the gravest crisis of Sánchez's time in office – a sprawling 'mafia-like' corruption scheme allegedly rooted deep within the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE). Before boarding his return flight from Paraguay, where he had wrapped up a three-day tour of Latin America, Sánchez calmly told journalists that he 'felt strong," despite the political crisis that had forced some of his key allies to step down. But the scandal is likely to follow him to his annual summer retreat. At a tense Tuesday Council of Ministers meeting, Sánchez's government pushed through the first stage of a new state secrets law – legislation that would hand the executive power to decide what constitutes an official secret. The move raised eyebrows across Madrid, with critics condemning the new bill as a move to shield the prime minister and his inner circle from judicial and public accountability. Further reports on the corruption probe are expected before the end of summer. Even within Sánchez's ranks, unease is growing, as Defence Minister Margarita Robles reportedly refused to uphold the law. The handling of state secrets, until now overseen by the national intelligence centre under her ministry, will now fall under the ministry of the presidency, justice, and relations with the courts. The defence ministry did not respond to Euractiv's request for comments. The Dominican connection The new law could also hinder ongoing investigations tied to the prime minister, particularly the hundreds of undisclosed, taxpayer-funded flights that have drawn increasing scrutiny as part of the broader PSOE corruption scandal. Sanchez has taken 582 flights in five years, according to an investigation published by El Mundo, more than any of his predecessors. But one destination stood out. Among hundreds of flights, 63 official flights were to the Dominican Republic, as first reported by Spanish outlet The Objective. The country appears central to the probe into the alleged network of kickbacks, rigged tenders, and influence peddling surrounding ex-Transport Minister, José Luis Ábalos. Testimony from businessman Víctor de Aldama – said to be a middleman linking private firms to government contracts – placed the Dominican Republic at the heart of the operation. Prosecutors claimed bribes paid to Aldama's Dominican business network were laundered and repatriated to Spain as cash, then distributed among officials tied to the plot. In April, witnesses testifying before the Spanish Supreme Court, admitted making cash payments in the Dominican Republic to =former advisor to ex-Transport Minister Ábalos -and key facilitator in the plot- Koldo García's, whose brother allegedly collected the cash following Aldama's orders. Public accountability Last year, Defence Minister Margarita Robles reported to the Senate, at the request of the main opposition Popular Party, that the Caribbean island's strategic position made it a crucial destination for layovers and technical stops. The, she said, was the reason behind the 62 trips – not 63, she noted. But to this day, the government has repeatedly refused to confirm the identity of the passengers of those flights, f uelling suspicions that the list could potentially include prosecuted officials in the kickback scheme. That wall of silence is starting to crack. A binding resolution published last Sunday by Spain's Transparency Council – following a request from media outlet El Debate – will force Sánchez to release full details of 122 flights taken in 2023 and 2024: including passenger names, destinations, dates and reasons for travel. Access to that information is of "great importance" as it "clearly and directly contributes to the control of public activity, the management of resources and the accountability to which the administration is bound," the report states. However, with the new official secrets law set to be approved by the Spanish parliament after the summer recess, critics claim the executive will be able to shield itself from further revelations, reports, and leaks crippling Sánchez's tarnished government. For now, the prime minister may be soaking up the sun in Lanzarote, but back in Madrid, the heat is only rising. (mm) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ibiza Rocks hotel guest 'nearly has nervous breakdown' over disgusting 'giant petri dish' pool
As another tragedy unfolds at the Ibiza Rocks resort, footage has emerged showing the grimy condition of the hotel pool, which apparently left some guests too fearful to go in barefoot Amid concerns over the popular Ibiza Rocks resort, following a fourth tragedy, footage has emerged which shows the allegedly grimy condition of the hotel pool, which one holidaymaker likened to a "petri-dish". In a TikTok video some have dubbed "minging," user @ showed followers the less-than-gleaming pool at Ibiza Rocks; an Ibiza-based hotel and event space long favoured by partygoers. The self-described "germ freak" wasn't best impressed by the mucky-looking pool, which was strewn with debris, including drink cans left behind by revellers. Giving fellow TikTok users a closer look at what she was dealing with, the content creator lifted up her Barbie pink Croc, which had been left grubby inside. Commenting, "SOS send help", the Ibiza tourist, who visited the resort in August 2024, shuddered: "The germ freak in me having a nervous breakdown in Ibiza Rocks". A number of fellow germophobes felt her pain, taking to the comment section to express their sympathy. One person wrote: "I stayed there last time I went to Ibiza and you should see the colour of the water once it's closed and everyone's gone." Another advised: "You would need a tetanus after being in that." In response to a third commenter, who declared that this was the reason they would "never have pool parties", the original poster agreed: "I never put them together?! It's like a big fat Petri dish." It wasn't all doom and gloom, however, with one follower revealing that: "My mate found a €20 note in there so worth the disease." On this front, @ laughed: "I'd love a list of everything ever found in it". She also urged future swimmers to wear their trusty Crocs while taking a dip, urging, "Don't take them off you." This comes as politicians call upon the San Antonio mayor and tourism minister to visit the area of Ibiza Rocks, following another tragic death at the resort. Since April, four people have died at the hotel, which made headlines again this week after sportsman Gary Kelly, 19, from Scotland, plummeted to his death after falling off a balcony. This tragedy occurred just two weeks after the death of 26-year-old Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, who fell to his death from the same hotel. In the aftermath of this devastating incident, Evan's family and friends criticised safety precautions at the four-star venue. On April 27, a 19-year-old Italian tourist of Turkish origin plunged to her death from the fourth floor of the adult-only hotel, while a British guest, aged 33, died in her room after going into cardiac arrest. There is no suggestion that the Ibiza Rocks hotel is to blame for any of the four tragedies that have unfolded on the premises. However, the PSOE party, which leads the opposition both in San Antonio and in the Balearic Islands region, has issued the following statement on the matter: 'The PSOE of San Antonio publicly denounces the worrying increase of tourism of excesses in the municipality during the two years of Marga Prohens' Partido Popular Balearic Islands Government with the direct complicity of San Antonio mayor, Marcos Serra, and Vicent Mari's Ibiza island council. "It also demands urgent measures to stop the deterioration in co-existence, security and image. The PSOE regrets the death of yet another tourist and, with the lack of direction the municipality is suffering, again asks the mayor to convene round-table talks to work on the change of tourism model we need.' It continued: 'What we are experiencing today is the confirmation of a deliberate policy of permissiveness on the part of the Partido Popular, which puts the interests of those who benefit from the lack of control before the well-being of citizens. The PSOE denounces that the Balearic PP government has chosen to protect excesses and progressively dismantle the tools of control.' In light of Gary's death, Ibiza Rocks has paused its events programme, with a spokesperson giving the following statement: 'We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred. "Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations. The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Ibiza Rocks Brit's death sparks blame war in holiday resort after fourth tragedy
Politicans are calling for the San Antonio mayor and tourism minister to visit the area of Ibiza Rocks resort following the latest death on-site. Four people have died at the hotel since April A popular party hotel known for hosting Brits abroad has been plunged into the centre of a political war following the death of an ice hockey star. Ibiza Rocks hit headlines after sportsman Gary Kelly, 19, from Scotland, plummeted to his death after falling off a balcony at the resort on Monday. He has been named as the fourth person to die at the resort since April 27. The four-star hotel have since paused their events programme in response to the incident. A spokesperson for the Ibiza Rocks Hotel said: 'We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred. "Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations. The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority.' The recent deaths have sparked outrage from socialist politicans in the area. They have accused the conservative Popular Party of prioritising the interests of those 'who benefit from the lack of control'. And PSOE opposition politicians say they want the Tourism Minister Jaume Bauza to visit the resort so he can see 'first-hand' the type of situation they say politicians in charge of the resort are facilitating. The tragedy occurred just two weeks after 26-year-old Evan Thomson, from Aberdeen, fell to his death from the same hotel in an incident which led to his family and friends criticising safety precautions at the venue. A 19-year-old Italian tourist of Turkish origin plunged to her death on April 27 from a fourth-floor at the hotel, owned by the Ibiza Rocks Group which is led by the British founders of island super club Manumission. On April 30, a British woman, aged 33, died in her room at the adults-only hotel after going into cardiac arrest. There is no suggestion that the hotel is to blame for any of the four deaths that have occurred on the premises since the end of April at this time. But the PSOE party, which governs nationally as part of a coalition but leads the opposition both in San Antonio and in the Balearic Islands region, issued a hard-hitting statement following on from the tragedy. The party's statement said: 'The PSOE of San Antonio publicly denounces the worrying increase of tourism of excesses in the municipality during the two years of Marga Prohens' Partido Popular Balearic Islands Government with the direct complicity of San Antonio mayor, Marcos Serra, and Vicent Mari's Ibiza island council. It also demands urgent measures to stop the deterioration in co-existence, security and image. "The PSOE regrets the death of yet another tourist and with the lack of direction the municipality is suffering, again asks the mayor to convene round-table talks to work on the change of tourism model we need.' It added: 'What we are experiencing today is the confirmation of a deliberate policy of permissiveness on the part of the Partido Popular, which puts the interests of those who benefit from the lack of control before the well-being of citizens. The PSOE denounces that the Balearic PP government has chosen to protect excesses and progressively dismantle the tools of control.'
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Spanish holiday island loved by Brits overwhelmed by piles of stinking rubbish
Llucmajor, a district in the south of the Balearic island, has found itself facing Birmingham-levels of uncollected waste, with residents complaining of terrible smells and rats Residents in part of Majorca have become overwhelmed by great piles of stinking rubbish. Llucmajor, a district in the south of the Balearic island, has found itself facing Birmingham -levels of uncollected waste. Great mounds of mouldy food, household rubbish, and general gunk have been building up in the streets. The roasting hot southern Spanish weather is making things worse, as the sun heats up the black sacks, turning them into putrid whiff bombs. This is a particular problem in a neighbourhood that is home to a large poultry farm, controversial not just because of the intense pong of hot chicken waste, but also due to allegations that the animals live in poor conditions. Others have complained that the situation is not new and that Llucmajor has suffered such unpleasantness for far too long. PSOE spokesperson Jaume Oliver said: "In Arenal, the population doubles starting July 15 due to tourists and second-home residents. The town hall knows that the same thing happens every year, and yet they don't increase services. We are not ruling out taking legal action against the town hall." Another resident blamed a "systematic failure of the waste collection service" for not dealing with the rubbish build-up. 'With this heat, the smell is unbearable, and at night there are tons of rats. It's disgusting and scary," they told Crónica Balear. "We have been experiencing collection failures for months, but what has happened in recent days has surpassed all limits." According to local reports, the council's contracts with waste collection companies expired in May. The town hall has said that there will soon be a tender for the service. "In the meantime, FCC is obliged to provide the service until a new contract is awarded. The company is having problems with trucks and sick workers. In some areas, it is using leased vehicles." The situation in Llucmajor is similar to that in Birmingham, where residents are dealing with the consequences of more than 100 days of strikes by the city's refuse collectors. The Mirror's Sanjeeta Bains visited Brum in June, stopping off at Balsall Heath, an inner-city area. There she found "a horrifying trail of stinking rubbish including food waste from local takeaways lying just yards from people's front doors." "Flies swarmed around half-eaten burgers and dirty nappies, and even after getting back in the car, there was no escaping the foul smell. I had to fight the urge to drive home and get straight into the shower. And to make things worse, brazen fly-tippers have been emboldened to take advantage of the council chaos."
Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Spanish PM benefited from father-in-law's ‘gay brothels', claims opponent
Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, has been accused of profiting from gay brothels allegedly run by his late father-in-law. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the opposition People's Party (PP), made the claims during a heated debate in parliament, which even in the feisty world of Spanish politics were seen as overstepping the mark. 'Excuse me, who do you live with? What brothels have you been making a living from?' Mr Feijoo asked, calling Mr Sanchez a 'financial participant in the abominable business of prostitution'. The comments were made in response to Mr Sanchez making an oft-repeated jibe that Mr Feijoo was once friends with a convicted drug trafficker. Mr Feijoo hit back by alleging that the prime minister had personally benefited from prostitution, a reference to the business interests of the father of his wife, Begona Gomez. Mr Sanchez did not respond to the accusation, which came amid an avalanche of scandals and assaults on his reputation. Wednesday's debate focused on recent corruption allegations against several officials from the prime minister's Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), including his former transport minister and the party's secretary, who resigned last month and has since been remanded in custody. PP sources defended Mr Feijoo's attack, claiming there was an underlying ethical issue to the claims, given that Mr Sanchez and his wife had lived in an apartment they say was paid for by the prime minister's father-in-law, Sabiniano Gomez. Mr Gomez, who died last year, owned several saunas in the Madrid area, which were widely reported to have been used as meeting places for gay men to have sexual encounters. He was also accused of running brothels, which are illegal in Spain. On Thursday, the PP doubled down on its claims of corruption concerning Ms Gomez's family, demanding details of the alleged letting of publicly-owned apartments to the late Mr Gomez – flats it claims may have been used for prostitution. Neither the government nor the PSOE wished to comment on the claims, which threaten to bring down the party. Ms Gomez is facing an ongoing judicial investigation into allegations that she abused her connection to her husband, Mr Sanchez, to advance her academic career and grant favours to business associates. Besides the allegations against former PSOE officials who are being investigated for allegedly fixing public contracts and charging companies for favours, a recording in which two of the suspects casually discussed hiring prostitutes has provided additional embarrassment to the country's Left-wing government. Mr Sanchez has apologised for 'trusting in people who did not deserve it' and for the offence to women caused by the expelled former minister Jose Luis Abalos's predilection for prostitutes. However, the prime minister has ignored calls from the opposition to resign and call elections, instead unveiling an anti-corruption package and reiterating the PSOE's will to abolish prostitution.
