Latest news with #anticorrupción
LBCI
09-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Spain PM announces anti-corruption plan designed with OECD
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday announced an anti-corruption plan, designed in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in a bid to salvage confidence in his scandal-hit government. The 15-point plan was drawn up with the Paris-based organization's division for anti-corruption and integrity in government, Sanchez told parliament, following the revelation that two Socialist heavyweights were implicated in a graft affair. AFP
Khaleej Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Spain PM announces anti-graft plan as scandal rocks govt
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday announced an anti-corruption plan designed with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in a bid to salvage confidence in his scandal-hit government. But parliamentary allies expressed scepticism, maintaining doubt over the minority leftist coalition's viability after the implication of two former Socialist heavyweights and close Sanchez allies in a graft scandal. The crisis is particularly sensitive for a leader who came to power in 2018 vowing to clean up Spanish politics after the rival conservative Popular Party (PP) was convicted in its own graft affair. Sanchez announced a 15-point plan drawn up with the Paris-based OECD's division for anti-corruption and integrity in government during an address to parliament. They include the creation of an independent public integrity agency to fight corruption, with Sanchez saying existing mechanisms have "generated inefficiencies and vacuums of coordination". Enhanced data analysis aided by artificial intelligence will scan for "vulnerabilities" in public tenders, said Sanchez, after his former right-hand men were suspected of receiving kickbacks in the improper awarding of such contracts. Top officials would also undergo "random and annual wealth checks" during their time in the job, while parties and foundations receiving public funds above 50,000 euros ($58,500) would be obliged to face external audits. Whistleblowers would receive greater protection, specialised sections in courts would be created and the criminal code reformed to harshen punishments for offences against the public administration, added Sanchez. A bombshell police report into the scandal released last month implicated ex-transport minister Jose Luis Abalos and former top Socialist official Santos Cerdan, both key figures in Sanchez's rise to power. Separate investigations are underway against Sanchez's wife, brother and Socialist-appointed top public prosecutor, ratcheting up the pressure on one of Europe's longest-serving leftist leaders. Sanchez revealed he had considered resigning over the Cerdan affair, apologising but vowing not to "throw in the towel" and call early elections. PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo dismissed Sanchez's explanations and reforms, saying the Socialists had "operated like a criminal organisation" for years. "We don't know where your direct responsibility begins and where it ends... How will you get us out of this nightmare if you got us into it?" he replied to Sanchez, demanding elections. The array of leftist and regional separatist parties propping up the government had demanded firm anti-corruption measures as the price for their continued support. Deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz of Sumar, the Socialists' far-left junior coalition partner, called Sanchez "honest" but said "progressive citizens are worried about corruption", urging him to "change direction". Catalan separatist party Junts, whose seven MPs are crucial for passing legislation, warned Sanchez they were "not here to put up with this farce". "You are in overtime, and overtime does not last a whole term," Junts parliamentary spokeswoman Miriam Nogueras told Sanchez. For Gabriel Rufian of left-wing Catalan separatists ERC, "the people must decide" through elections if corruption "permeated" the Socialists rather than being confined to a few individuals.
