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Spanish police search ruling Socialist party headquarters – Europe live
TL;DR
Spanish police have searched the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party in Madrid under a judicial order related to a potential illegal financing scheme. This comes amid growing allegations of corruption involving former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and current PM Pedro Sánchez's family.
Key points
- Spanish police searched the Socialist Party headquarters in Madrid
- The search is related to a possible illegal financing scheme
- Allegations of corruption involve Pedro Sánchez and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
Mentioned in this story
Socialist PartyPedro SánchezJosé Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
Spanish police entered the ruling Socialist Party’s headquarters in Madrid on a judicial order to gather information on a possible illegal financing scheme, several news Spanish news outlets reported.
A portrait of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez is partially obscured by a shutter on the main facade of the PSOE headquarters in Madrid. Photograph: David Canales/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil force told Reuters officers had entered the premises but did not disclose any further details since the proceedings are secret.
The search takes place amid intensifying focus on separate allegations of influence peddling and corruption linked to former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the immediate family of current PM Pedro Sánchez, creating a somewhat precarious situation for both the party and the embattled premier.
Sánchez, however, is in Rome today for a visit to the Vatican, where he is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo this morning. A press conference is expected following the meeting, where he will undoubtedly face a barrage of questions regarding the searches back in Madrid.
Elsewhere, I will keep an eye on day three of the heatwave engulfing large parts of western Europe, the latest news coming from Ukraine and the Baltics, and the UK-Polish defence and security treaty that will be signed in London.
Lots to cover.
It’s Wednesday, 27 May 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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Q&A
Why did Spanish police search the Socialist Party headquarters?
Spanish police searched the headquarters to gather information on a possible illegal financing scheme.
What allegations are linked to Pedro Sánchez and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero?
Allegations of influence peddling and corruption are linked to both Pedro Sánchez's family and former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
What is the current situation for the Socialist Party in Spain?
The Socialist Party is facing scrutiny due to the police search and ongoing corruption allegations, creating a precarious situation for the party and PM Pedro Sánchez.
