Spain's Sánchez weathers the 'black week' his critics predicted

Sánchez weathers the 'black week' the opposition predicted

Those hoping for a judicial Armageddon that would topple the prime minister have been left empty-handed. Last week, marked by a former Socialist regional baron's 24-year sentence, a UCO (police unit) raid in Soria that led to six PSOE members being detained, and Begoña Gómez's mobility restrictions, failed to break the investiture bloc. Pedro Sánchez responded in Congress and his allies, with some grumbling, reaffirmed their support.

The judicial storm that failed to derail the government

The most serious blow was the unanimous 24-year prison sentence handed to a former senior Socialist official, described as a 'incivil organisation' in the ruling. On top of that came the indictment of Sánchez's daughters and the passport restriction on Begoña – who was summoned, although her movements were restricted. The UCO also raided Soria's city hall against six PSOE members. Yet none of these fronts broke the coalition apart. As one analysis summed it up: 'The investiture bloc remains united. Nobody wants the right.'

The counter-analysis: slow corrosion but no cracks

Against the narrative of resistance, there is a school of thought that sees these episodes as the prelude to unstoppable erosion. Critics point out that 'lawfare' is no excuse: the final 24-year sentence and the police searches point to a network entrenched within the party. Others recall that scandals have been piling up since Zapatero's time, and that immigration and housing are a social time bomb for the next legislative term. For now, though, the parliamentary arithmetic holds.

The week passed and Sánchez keeps his footing. The federal committee and a statement in Congress are still to come this week. The opposition is rubbing its hands over upcoming judicial moves, but for now the prime minister remains at Moncloa. The striking fact: even with the conviction of his 'right-hand man' on the executive, the government does not wobble. We shall see how long this tense calm lasts.