Pablo Fernández, the co-spokesperson and Secretary of Organisation for Podemos, announced in a press conference that the party does not consider Pedro Sánchez legitimate to lead a progressive government in Spain. He stated that Podemos will not participate in the consultations summoned by Sánchez with his investiture partners, indicating that they refuse to take part in what they see as a ‘facade operation’ by the Socialist Workers’ Party, or PSOE, amidst corruption allegations.

Fernández’s comments follow a report by the Civil Guard’s Anti-Corruption Unit revealing questionable financial dealings involving public contracts, linked to PSOE officials. He criticised Sánchez for failing to take substantive actions after the report and called for accountability from all implicated in the alleged corruption. He insisted that merely asking for forgiveness is insufficient.

He further challenged the idea that political corruption is inevitable under a two-party system, suggesting that if Sánchez continues to lead, ongoing corruption in government will not change. He urged progressive voters to view Podemos as a viable alternative that rejects both corruption and austerity.

In other matters, Fernández raised concerns about potential increases in military spending at the upcoming NATO summit, labelling such moves as detrimental to public services in Spain. His remarks also extended to expressing solidarity with Spanish activists advocating for Palestine, condemning the Egyptian government’s repression of their efforts to provide humanitarian support.