Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing a fight for survival as a wave of corruption probes threatens to bring down his government. The probes, which target several of his colleagues and relatives, have sparked widespread calls for his resignation and have plunged the country into uncertainty.
The corruption allegations centre on the purchase of a luxury villa in the Costa del Sol, a region popular with wealthy tourists. The villa was bought by a company owned by a businessman who has close ties to Sánchez's family.
The probes have been launched by Spain's national prosecutor's office, which has been investigating the alleged embezzlement of millions of euros in public funds. The investigation has already led to the arrest of several high-ranking officials and their relatives.
The scandal has sparked widespread outrage and calls for Sánchez's resignation, with many politicians and citizens demanding that he step down. The opposition parties have also called for early elections, which could destabilise the country's politics and plunge it into a period of instability.
The situation is a major blow to Sánchez's ruling Socialist Party, which had been hoping to win re-election in 2023. The party's chances of success now look increasingly uncertain, and Sánchez's future as Prime Minister hangs in the balance.