May 27, 2026 — 09:45 BST
Spanish police entered the ruling Socialist Party’s (PSOE) headquarters in Madrid on Wednesday on a judicial order, seizing documents and electronic data as part of a probe into an alleged illegal financing scheme — the most significant raid on the party in Spain’s modern democratic history.
The search comes as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was in Rome meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican — a meeting now certain to be overshadowed by questions about the integrity of his administration. Sánchez is expected to hold a press conference following the Vatican session.
Three fronts open simultaneously
The Guardia Civil search is the third and most politically explosive front in a widening corruption investigation touching the Sánchez government’s innermost circle:
The Sánchez family: Sánchez’s younger brother David goes on trial Thursday in Badajoz on allegations he was given a tailor-made job by the socialist-led city council in 2017 — when Pedro Sánchez was national PSOE leader but not yet prime minister. Both brothers deny any wrongdoing. Sánchez has called the investigations a “harassment and bullying operation” orchestrated by political opponents.
The Gómez case: A separate judge has summoned Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, to appear on 9 June. She is accused of using her position as the prime minister’s spouse to secure corporate sponsors for a university master’s programme she directed, and of authorising state funds to pay her personal assistant. Gómez denies any offence.
The Zapatero network: Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero — a totemic figure of the Spanish left — was placed under investigation last week as part of a separate inquiry into the €53 million state bailout of Plus Ultra airlines during Covid. The investigating judge alleges a “hierarchical structure of influence peddling” was established to launder funds from Venezuela through France, Switzerland, and Spain. Zapatero’s lawyer said he will appear before the judge on 18–19 June. He has denied any wrongdoing.
PSOE under severe pressure
The timing is acutely damaging for Sánchez. He is already navigating a complex parliamentary situation ahead of a difficult June, and the simultaneous exposure of his brother, his wife, and the party’s most storied former leader represents an existential challenge to the government’s credibility. Sánchez spent part of last year publicly questioning the independence of certain judges, saying “there is no doubt that there are judges doing politics and politicians trying to do justice.”
The Guardia Civil spokesperson told Reuters officers had entered the premises but declined further comment, citing judicial secrecy rules. The investigation is being led by Judge José Ángel Calderón.
Spain’s opposition People’s Party (PP) and Vox have called for Sánchez’s resignation. International monitors have flagged concerns about the involvement of Manos Limpias — the self-styled trade union behind several of the complaints that triggered the investigations — which has documented links to far-right media and activism.
The UK-Polish defence and security treaty is still expected to be signed in London on Wednesday.
This is astory. Check back for updates.