Spain's PSOE grants pardons amid disaster: opportunism and favouritism
Spain's PSOE government issues pardons during the wildfires. Critics denounce favouritism towards Sánchez's inner circle and embezzlers. A smokescreen? Legal analysis and more.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Pardons amid disaster: the PSOE's political gambit
While wildfires hit several regions of Spain, Pedro Sánchez's government has used the summer break to sign a batch of pardons that, according to critics, is designed to protect his closest circle. The decision, legal but opportunistic, raises doubts about the use of the right of grace.
The legal limits of a pardon
A pardon can only be granted to people with a final conviction, not to those under preventive prosecution. This rules out, for example, Carles Puigdemont or Begoña Gómez, whose trial for alleged corruption has been postponed until 2027. The move fuels suspicions that the government is buying time while laying the groundwork for future pardons.
Embezzlement and favouritism
The harshest criticism targets the pardons granted to those convicted of embezzlement. Critics argue that pardoning this offence is an aberration, and that the PSOE is using the disaster as a smokescreen to go unnoticed. The suspicion that pardons are being prepared for Sánchez's brother or for Koldo García feeds the debate over abuse of power.
With Begoña Gómez's trial looming in 2027 and doubts over judicial independence, the question remains: how far will the use of this prerogative go?
While wildfires hit several regions of Spain, Pedro Sánchez's government has used the summer break to sign a batch of pardons that, according to critics, is designed to protect his closest circle. The decision, legal but opportunistic, raises doubts about the use of the right of grace.
The legal limits of a pardon
A pardon can only be granted to people with a final conviction, not to those under preventive prosecution. This rules out, for example, Carles Puigdemont or Begoña Gómez, whose trial for alleged corruption has been postponed until 2027. The move fuels suspicions that the government is buying time while laying the groundwork for future pardons.
Embezzlement and favouritism
The harshest criticism targets the pardons granted to those convicted of embezzlement. Critics argue that pardoning this offence is an aberration, and that the PSOE is using the disaster as a smokescreen to go unnoticed. The suspicion that pardons are being prepared for Sánchez's brother or for Koldo García feeds the debate over abuse of power.
With Begoña Gómez's trial looming in 2027 and doubts over judicial independence, the question remains: how far will the use of this prerogative go?
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (19 replies).
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