Pedro Sánchez has surprised everyone by publishing a “letter to the citizens” on Wednesday at 19:09, in which he informs the Spanish people that he will be reflecting on whether to continue as the head of the Executive until next Monday. In the letter, he explains the reasons for this dilemma, citing a court in Madrid that has opened proceedings against his wife, Begoña Gómez, at the request of an ultra-rightist organization called Manos Limpias. This organization has a history of extortion and has filed a complaint against the president’s wife based on false information spread by right-wing and far-right media outlets.
Sánchez denounces a strategy of harassment and sabotage by the right-wing and far-right parties, particularly the PP, which has been spreading negative headlines about his wife in an attempt to damage his reputation. He highlights the hypocrisy of these attacks and questions their motives, especially considering the lack of a clear political project from these parties beyond insults and misinformation. The ongoing attacks on his wife, amid scandals involving other politicians, prompt Sánchez to pause and reflect on the future of his government and his personal well-being.
The president recalls past challenges he has faced, starting with the internal rift in the PSOE regarding his support for Mariano Rajoy’s government in 2016, which led to his resignation as secretary general. He also mentions the resistance faced after the successful motion of censure and electoral victories in 2019, pointing out the attempts to delegitimize his progressive coalition government. Despite these challenges, his government has persevered, and he stresses the importance of upholding democratic values and respect for election results in the face of opposition.
Sánchez reflects on the recent general elections in July 2023, where the Spanish people voted for progress and re-elected his progressive coalition government, defying predictions of a right-wing coalition led by Feijóo and Abascal. Despite the victory of the PP in subsequent regional elections, Sánchez was able to secure support from a diverse group of parties in parliament, leading to his investiture as president. He condemns the ongoing attacks from the right-wing and far-right parties, characterizing them as an attempt to distract from their own scandals and lack of political vision.
The president expresses his deep concern about the current political climate, where the spread of misinformation and personal attacks have become a norm. He draws parallels with the tactics used by the media in Italy, as described by Umberto Eco in his novel “Número Cero,” where personal attacks and rumors are used to discredit political opponents. Sánchez sees these tactics as an attempt to destroy him and his government for political gain, driven by a coalition of right-wing and far-right interests that refuse to accept the reality of Spain and the democratic process.
In conclusion, Pedro Sánchez announces his decision to take a few days to reflect on the ongoing situation and whether it is worth continuing in his role as president. He emphasizes his commitment to public service and transformative leadership, despite the personal attacks and challenges he faces. Sánchez plans to make a final decision on Monday, April 29, after which he will address the media. This decision comes amid a hostile political environment where democratic values are being undermined, and personal attacks have taken precedence over substantive political debates.
