Spain’s PSOE Faces Sexual Harassment Scandal, Official Resigns

Spain’s ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is facing a renewed crisis after senior party official Francisco Salazar resigned amid multiple sexual harassment allegations by female colleagues. Salazar denied the accusations but stepped down as pressure mounted, and although an investigation has been launched, no formal complaints have been filed. This scandal compounds existing challenges for Sánchez, who is also contending with ongoing corruption investigations involving other party figures and even family members, further undermining public trust. Sánchez has publicly apologized for misplaced trust in party members accused of misconduct and vowed to strengthen internal protocols, enhance whistleblower protections, and reform the party's governance to restore credibility. Despite calls from opposition parties and some within PSOE for Sánchez to resign or call snap elections, he has refused to step aside, asserting his commitment to lead through the crisis. Large public protests have erupted demanding accountability, and the situation continues to cast a shadow over the minority government’s stability and ethical standing.