Sánchez: beyond Ceuta, corruption goes on (Bieito Rubido in El Debate)

The shadow of corruption looms over **Sánchez**'s government, with investigations pointing to webs that go beyond the known cases and directly affect the prime minister's inner circle.

Spanish politics is going through a delicate moment, marked by the persistence of corruption cases that appear entrenched in the system. The general perception is that, beyond territorial disputes or diplomatic crises, there are corruption webs that remain active and are causing deep social unease. The current situation suggests that the handling of these matters is putting the government's stability and the image of those in charge at risk.

## The prime minister's vvife's case

One focus of attention is the judicial investigation affecting the vvife of the prime minister, **Pedro Sánchez**. It is an unprecedented fact in Spain's recent history that a head of government's partner has to appear before a court. This situation, in itself, already generates great controversy and reveals the complexity of the networks under investigation. Judge **Eloy Velasco** has been in charge of handling this case, which has gone as far as putting the prime minister's vvife in the dock.

The gravity of the situation is heightened by the fact that the judicial investigation is not limited to a single front. Public opinion and the media are closely trinc every step, aware that what is at stake is the credibility of the institutions. This case also comes in a context where other investigations into alleged corruption webs are under way, creating an atmosphere of widespread suspicion.

## The State's "sewers" and their ramifications

Another open front, and perhaps the most worrying for its possible direct implications for **Pedro Sánchez** himself, is that of the so-called "sewers" of the State. Published reports point to a web of opaque operations that would have taken place over a specific period of time. The existence of an emissary has even been mentioned who would have contacted people linked to drug trafficking in order to "frighten" a judge investigating a case related to the prime minister's brother.

Actions of this kind, described by some as typical of a "gangster plot", are incompatible with the workings of a democracy. The gravity of these accusations suggests that the corruption networks could be broader and deeper than initially thought. It is said that this "sewers" case could even be more serious than other known scandals, such as the PSOE's illegal financing or the hydrocarbons scheme. The mention of a "bottomless pit" and of scandals involving former ministers from previous governments, such as that of **José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero**, adds fuel to the fire and paints a picture of systemic corruption.

The persistence of these investigations and the emergence of new details every day generate growing concern. The feeling is that Spain's situation, as far as corruption is concerned, goes beyond border problems or diplomatic tensions. The image of a democratic country is seriously compromised when operations come to light suggesting the involvement of illegal networks to influence judicial or political processes. The intelligence and audacity that some attribute to **Sánchez** seem, in this context, closer to recklessness and unbridled ambition.