cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/10376285
A massive majority of Spaniards believe corruption in the country has skyrocketed under the government of Pedro Sanchez.
The findings come from a new report published by the European Commission, which notes that this perception has especially worsened in the last five years – affecting not just the average citizen but companies and the judicial system.
The Special Eurobarometer survey found that Spain scores highly on the perceived corruption indexes compared to its European counterparts.
It comes after a turbulent week in which Sanchez’ family has been under fire for various corruption scandals.
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Spain scored just 55 out of 100 in the Corruption Perception Index 2025, placing it seventeenth in the European Union and 49th worldwide.
According to the new survey, 92% of Spanish citizens consider that corruption is widespread, far above the European average of 71%. Moreover, 53% say they feel personally affected by corruption, in comparison to the 30% of the European average.
The document released this Friday comes on the back of a period of chaos.
Last Thursday, a court ruled that Begona Gomez, Pedro Sanchez’s wife, will stand trial for charges of influence peddling and embezzlement.
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The ruling came just two days after a ruling against David Sanchez, the prime minister’s brother, who is now barred from public office for nine years.
He had been working a role that was specifically created for him.
Meanwhile, former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos was convicted last month over illegal pandemic mask contracts.
In response to the recent rulings, several Sanchez allies have attacked the decisions, calling them ‘a judicial conspiracy’ and ‘politically motivated cases’ which amount to ‘lawfare’.
Judges and legal professionals continue to show concern. The Constitutional Court warns that statements against judges contribute to eroding public trust in the justice system.
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The EU Commission has warned Sanchez’ government that: “All powers of the state – executive, legislative and judicial – must act with mutual respect to guarantee proper functioning.”
This is not the first time Sanchez’ government is being put on the spot by the EU Commission. Last year former attorney general Alvaro Garcia Ortiz was found guilty in a controversial case over the leaking of confidential information.
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