A recent gathering on “La Compass” on Onda Cero,hosted by Rafa Latorre,featured Graciano Palomo,Paco Marhuenda,Marisa Cruz,and José Ignacio Wert,who analyzed the deepening political crisis within the PSOE. This follows the search of the Ferraz headquarters by the UCO and the ongoing investigation into a corruption plot involving Santos Cerdán, José Luis Ábalos, and Koldo.the discussion highlighted a sense of a turning point and the increasing isolation of President Pedro Sánchez as he navigates a critical juncture in his leadership.

“End of Cycle” Sentiment and public Reaction

The commentators concurred that the Civil Guard‘s presence at the PSOE headquarters symbolizes an “end of the cycle,” with the situation escalating beyond institutional concerns into widespread public ridicule. According to Graciano Palomo, “When the Spanish people take this kind of thing to Chacota, it is indeed finished,” noting how the scandals have permeated popular culture, even influencing the naming of food at local festivals.

“Sánchez has surrounded himself with very mediocre people, so no one will question his leadership because, what can we expect from the socialist ministers?”

presidential Isolation and Resistance

The discussion centered on Pedro Sánchez’s resilience, portrayed as an increasingly isolated president, supported by a shrinking inner circle and distanced from traditional PSOE figures. Marhuenda stated, “Sánchez has surrounded himself with very mediocre people, so no one will question his leadership because, what can we expect from the socialist ministers?” Marisa Cruz added that “the thinking heads of the classic PSOE are now removed and embarrassed”, emphasizing the leadership void and the absence of clear alternatives within the party.

damaged International Image Due to Corruption

The panel also examined the international repercussions of the scandals, emphasizing the damage to Spain’s reputation caused by the Civil Guard’s raid on the ruling party’s headquarters. Marhuenda lamented, “People outside Spain do not go into nuances: they see the president of the Government with the Civil Guard at their headquarters seeking corruption evidence.” The rapid emergence of alleged illicit activities following the 2018 motion of censure was also highlighted.

The Cerdán Case and the PSOE’s Future

The analysts scrutinized Santos Cerdán’s central role in the alleged plot and the plausibility of Sánchez’s unawareness of his close associates’ actions. They stressed the significance of the Secretary of Institution within the PSOE and the pervasive impact of corruption on the party’s regional structure. Rafa Latorre summarized, “When the plot operations center is in the ministry of Organization and in the Ministry of Transportation, take over.”

International Implications: Trump and NATO

The discussion touched on Donald Trump’s criticism of Spain’s “very low payer” status in NATO, which some saw as an possibility for Sánchez to create an external adversary to divert attention from the internal crisis.