In a period of profound turbulence, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has addressed an extensive and emotional letter to the members of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). Published on Tuesday, the letter is a direct response to the escalating “Koldo case” scandal, which, with new revelations from the UCO report, is testing the party’s integrity. Sánchez’s message aims to close ranks, boost morale, and present the PSOE as a party that resolutely combats corruption, while simultaneously launching a sharp attack on the political opposition.
“Querida compañera, querido compañero”: An Open Acknowledgment of Pain and Outrage
The letter begins with a direct and personal tone: “Dear comrade: I know that many of you are experiencing these days with pain, indignation, and a mix of bewilderment and sadness. We share that feeling.” Sánchez openly acknowledges the frustration and disappointment within the party, triggered by news of acts that “repel us.” He highlights that the lack of exemplary conduct and the “machismo” projected by some well-known statements – a clear allusion to the alleged messages between Ábalos and Koldo – are “totally incompatible with the progressive and deeply feminist values of our organization.”
The notion that “colleagues who held high responsibilities have betrayed the trust of this party and of the citizens is a wound that pains us all.” Sánchez emphasizes the party’s firm response: “From the first moment, we have acted forcefully, demanding the immediate resignation of those involved. Without nuances or ambiguities. Without ever confusing loyalty with complicity, nor the presumption of innocence with impunity.”
Decisive Action Against Corruption: A Contrast to the Opposition
Sánchez makes it clear that no party is immune to the infamy of corruption, but how one reacts to it makes a difference. “We will always act in coherence with our values, those of a democratic, decent organization committed to the general interest.” He draws a sharp line with the opposition: “We expel those who fail us; others protect them. We make quick and exemplary decisions; others write messages of support. We denounce corrupt practices; others cover them up and protect them, even using patriotic police forces.”
Sánchez also refutes accusations of interference in judicial investigations: “The fact that we did not know the UCO report before its publication, as was publicly accredited, speaks to the democratic health of our country. And it shows that, in the Spain we are helping to build from the government, the executive power does not interfere in investigations that depend on the judicial power, as did happen for a good part of the last decade.” He instead criticizes the right’s instrumentalization of the report: “On the contrary, what is reprehensible is that the content of that report has been put at the service of a deliberate attempt by the right to overthrow a legitimate government.”
Spain: A Functioning Democracy with a Clean Socialism
The Prime Minister reaffirms trust in Spanish institutions: “Spain has corrupt individuals, it is true. But it also has functioning institutions, demanding citizens, and a government that responds. And, of course, it has a clean Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, in which militants like you work and collaborate day after day to build a better country and a fairer world.”
He urges foresight: “The difficult moment we are experiencing should not make us lose perspective. There is no rotten system whose reform must be addressed politically. There is a democracy that defends itself from cases of corruption, with law and justice.” Sánchez stresses: “Corruption is fought with better means and the appropriate instruments. And that is what we will do, appealing once again to serene debate with those who want to join in and contribute to improving us.” His criticism of the right becomes clearer: “If the right is erased from this debate, which it surely will be, it is because their priority is another: to overthrow the government at any cost.”
Fighting an “Operation of Moral Demolition”
Sánchez challenges the opposition to propose a vote of no confidence if they truly have an alternative: “They have a tool provided for in our legal system, such as the motion of no confidence. If they intend to use it, let them be consistent with the meaning with which our Constitution defines it and present an alternative country project. They will not do so. Because they lack one. Because they are not united by what they want to build, but by what they intend to destroy.”
He sharply criticizes the alliance between the Popular Party and Vox: “And because the only thing they are capable of offering involves the support of an ultraright force incompatible with the progress, rights, and freedoms that took so much effort to build in Spain.” Sánchez condemns the “drift of hatred and legitimization of violence” reflected in the “harassment of many socialist militants and the attack on numerous party headquarters.” He expresses his full solidarity and support for the affected party members.
The president emphasizes the government’s achievements in the fight against corruption: “We have increased transparency levels and tightened laws. We have raised accountability levels and improved Spain’s position in international rankings of perception and fight against corruption.” He concludes with a passionate appeal: “I know the disappointment is enormous. But we must also be clear that we are facing an operation of moral demolition, by procedures that entail more danger for democracy than what they intend to combat.”
Sánchez calls for temperance and initiative: “The best way to overcome this ordeal is by remembering why we are here. We have not come to occupy seats. We have come to improve people’s lives, to combat inequality, and to defend freedoms.” He concludes with the words: “Count on me. I count on you.”
