Spanish PM refuses to step aside, vows to stay in power until 2027 elections

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said he intends to remain in office until the 2027 parliamentary elections, despite corruption scandals affecting the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), which he leads.

Speaking at a youth congress of the PSOE, Sánchez defended his government’s achievements at the party’s first major event following a historic defeat in Andalusia, long considered a stronghold for the Socialists, Caliber.Az reports, citing Euroactiv.

“Socialism may stumble, but we never give up on a fight,” he told the crowd. “We will continue to govern until 2027. And beyond!” he said.

The Spanish leader insisted that more time was needed for voters to feel the impact of the coalition’s social and economic policies, dismissing mounting demands for early elections as judicial probes continue to intensify pressure on his administration.

Former Socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a long-standing ally of Sánchez, is also under investigation by Spain’s National Court, the country’s highest criminal tribunal, over alleged influence peddling and money laundering tied to the state bailout of the Venezuela-linked airline Plus Ultra.

Spanish police have recently carried out a raid on PSOE headquarters in Madrid as part of a separate investigation into suspected attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings involving current and former party figures.

The unfolding scandals have deepened internal divisions within the Socialist camp.

Pressure on Sánchez is expected to increase in June, with Zapatero scheduled to testify on 17–18 June and a key Supreme Court ruling anticipated before the summer in the corruption case involving former minister José Luis Ábalos.

By Jeyhun Aghazada