In a week that could only be described as a political soap opera, Spanish socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez finds himself again at the center of controversy. After navigating through a labyrinth of corruption allegations involving his family and inner circle, Sánchez attempted to rejuvenate his party’s leadership. However, his well-intentioned reset quickly unraveled.
The latest blow came on July 5 when Francisco Salazar, a newly appointed official, resigned amid serious sexual harassment allegations—an unfortunate twist for Sánchez, who had hoped this reshuffle would distance his administration from previous scandals.
Reuters reported:
“Francisco Salazar offered to step down as a deputy in the organization’s secretariat and requested an investigation into the allegations,” the Socialist Party (PSOE) stated.
“The PSOE confirmed it would conduct an immediate inquiry, noting that no formal complaints had been submitted through its established channels.”
Watch: Salazar receiving accolades from an MP while a visibly uncomfortable woman addresses the situation.
Pilar Alegría praising Paco Salazar just moments before his resignation over harassment claims from women in his team.
“He’s an upstanding colleague.”
They never seem to tire of the absurdity. pic.twitter.com/Cqod2thwqU— Capitán General de los Tercios (@capTercio) July 5, 2025
Left-leaning Spanish media have reported claims from a PSOE employee alleging that Salazar made inappropriate remarks regarding her attire and physique, suggested private dinner meetings, and even invited her to his home during her tenure at Moncloa Palace—the PM’s official residence and workplace.
“This scandal broke just as Sánchez was preparing to address party members in Madrid to mitigate their concerns about the ongoing reputational damage,” noted reports.
Watch: Salazar during better days in the spotlight.
Paco Salazar accused of sexual assault.
What would we do without the PSOE’s feminist movement and the complicity of its female colleagues?…pic.twitter.com/WXgbHLnbOE— Azucena (@Azucena67015389) July 5, 2025
Ultimately, Sánchez addressed a visibly somber gathering an hour later than planned, urging any woman experiencing harassment to report it through the party’s designated mechanisms.
“If we uphold the belief that a woman’s body is not for sale, then there can be no tolerance for behaviors that contradict this principle,” he asserted, pointedly avoiding any mention of Salazar.
Read more:
Embattled Spanish Socialist PM Sánchez, Surrounded by Scandals and Corruption Investigations, Refuses To Call Snap Vote, Announces He Will Seek Reelection
