Spanish Civil Guard officers entered the Madrid headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) on Wednesday to search for information about an alleged illegal payments scheme, as part of a National Court investigation into corruption by a former party member linked to a state-run company.

The raid comes as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's party faces a series of graft allegations, including claims of impropriety against former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a close ally. The allegations have put pressure on Sanchez's government and sparked protests in Madrid over the weekend.

A PSOE spokeswoman stated the party is calm and fully cooperating with authorities. However, the main opposition People's Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said Sanchez's government "stinks" of corruption and renewed calls for early elections.

Sanchez, who was in Rome for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, said he saw no reason to withdraw support for Zapatero. The former PM is accused of using his influence to secure a €53 million bailout for Plus Ultra airline in 2021, with allegations that his family may have benefited. Zapatero denies any wrongdoing.

The investigating judge alleges Zapatero may have been part of a network of shell companies and lobbyists aiming to push favorable decisions through government channels. Sanchez has previously described investigations into his wife and brother as a "smear campaign."

Source: www.dw.com