Translated by Andrea Solazzo
Pedro Sánchez has been President of the Government of Spain since 2018 and he is General Secretary of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Spanish acronym: PSOE). During his mandate, he had to face various crises within Spanish society, and nothing had stopped him. That is until 24 April 2024.
Letter to the citizens
On 24 April 2024, Pedro Sánchez published a letter to the citizens on his social pages. The Prime Minister explained that this unusual way was necessary after the attacks that he and his wife, Begoña Gomez, had to face. In the letter he explained his situation after judge’s decision to open a corruption investigation into his wife in response to a complaint filed by “Manos Limpias” (Clean Hands), an organisation described as a right-wing pseudo-trade union.
Sánchez mentioned Feijóo and Abascal, accusing them using the “mud machine”. He uses this Umberto Eco’s metaphor explaining how they are trying to dehumanize and delegitimize him, their political opponent, through scandals and denunciations.
Pedro Sánchez says that this is one of the problems that are affecting Spanish society: a coalition of the right and ultra-right that does not tolerate Spain’s reality and the elections’ results.
Faced with what he considers as a serious and vulgar attack, he questioned whether it is worth it and therefore warned people that he needs time to ponder this issue with his wife.
As a matter of fact, Pedro Sánchez concludes the letter informing the population that he will suspend his political agenda until 29 April 2024 to make a decision.
And so it was: on 29 April 2024, the president of the Spanish government gave a speech containing his choice.
The decision
During the speech, Sánchez confirmed his decision to take a pause for reflection and highlighted that it was a very difficult choice. He said there is not enough honour that can justify seeing his wife being destroyed. In addition, he acknowledged that he has shown an unusual feeling in politics: the pain of living this situation while society pretends to continue the path.
The President of the Government of Spain said he has come to a conclusion: it is necessary to stop this “mud”, otherwise democracy could be threatened.
Sánchez understands the impossibility of stopping the protests, but at the same time thanked those who supported him with empathy. After that, he revealed that he has decided to continue at the helm of the government with all his strength. He also invited Spanish people to reflect on the kind of society they want to be, in the common interest. This is about a collective reflection that favours the political game.
Finally, Pedro Sánchez concluded his speech inviting the population to put an end to the “mud” through a democratic collective refusal, an initiative that he would lead as President of the Government of Spain.
Mondo Internazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2024