In a significant political upheaval for Spain, former high-ranking Socialist party official Santos Cerdan was detained on Monday in connection with a widening corruption investigation. The case, centered on alleged kickbacks for public contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as the most serious crisis facing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez since he took office in 2018.
Cerdan, who recently stepped down as the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party’s (PSOE) organization secretary — effectively the third-most powerful position in the ruling party — is accused of corruption, money laundering, and criminal association. According to judicial sources, the Supreme Court judge overseeing the case ordered his detention due to the risk of evidence tampering or flight.
The scandal has shaken the foundations of Sánchez’s government and drawn intense scrutiny from both national and international observers. Cerdan has denied all accusations, reportedly telling the lead judge that he is being targeted as part of a political conspiracy.
The investigation reportedly includes audio evidence suggesting Cerdan accepted payments in exchange for irregularly awarded government contracts. These contracts were primarily related to the purchase of health and safety equipment during the height of the COVID-19 crisis — a sensitive issue given the public’s heightened awareness of pandemic-related spending.
Also implicated is former transport minister José Luis Ábalos, once considered a close ally and right-hand man to Sánchez. Alongside Ábalos, Koldo García — a senior advisor — has also come under investigation.
Prime Minister Sánchez, currently attending an international conference in Seville, attempted to draw a clear line between his leadership and the unfolding scandal.
“The Socialist Party reacted firmly from the start,” Sánchez said. “Santos Cerdan was dismissed when these revelations surfaced.”
Despite repeated apologies and his insistence on having no prior knowledge of the alleged corruption, Sánchez continues to face mounting calls from the opposition to resign. Critics argue that the scandal points to deeper systemic issues within the PSOE’s inner workings and question how such high-level corruption could go unnoticed.
This unfolding case adds to the growing distrust in Spain’s political elite, especially regarding the management of emergency funds during the pandemic. The public is increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from those in power.
As the investigation continues, Sánchez must walk a political tightrope — distancing himself from former allies while attempting to preserve the integrity of his government and maintain public confidence. With new elections looming in the coming year, the outcome of this scandal could have a lasting impact on the prime minister’s legacy and the Socialist Party’s future.
