In an extraordinary session at the Congress of Deputies, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez introduced a comprehensive anti-corruption package that includes fifteen new measures. Among the highlights are increased sentences for corruption-related crimes, an independent anti-corruption agency, and the introduction of specialised judges to speed up judicial processes. These initiatives come in the wake of the recent detention of his former deputy, Santos Cerdán, over alleged bribery charges.

Sánchez emphasised the need to bolster integrity in public administration, proposing stricter controls across all governmental sectors and the application of artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in public contracting. The new Independent Public Integrity Agency will centralise oversight duties that were previously scattered across various entities, addressing inefficiencies and coordination issues.

Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed that companies looking to contract with the public sector will be required to establish compliance systems and uphold transparency. This includes the obligation to publish donations above two thousand five hundred euros within a month of receipt. By introducing these measures, Sánchez aims to cultivate a culture of accountability that reinforces the integrity of public officials and private enterprises alike.

In defending his proposals, Sánchez stated that while he believes corruption in Spain is not systemic, measures are essential to mitigate its impact on democracy and public trust. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining transparency and ensuring that every facet of the new plan is executed rigorously, with ongoing monitoring from the OECD over the next two years.