Corruption Scandal Threatens Spain's Sanchez Government
The Spanish Supreme Court has ordered ex-Socialist Party official Santos Cerdan to be held in pre-trial detention in a corruption inquiry that could destabilize Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government. Cerdan, along with others, is accused of receiving kickbacks for awarding public contracts.

The Spanish Supreme Court has taken a significant step in addressing alleged political corruption by detaining former senior Socialist Party official Santos Cerdan in pre-trial custody. This development comes as part of a corruption investigation that poses a potential threat to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority government.
The investigation, led by Judge Leopoldo Puente, scrutinizes accusations that Cerdan, along with ex-Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos and his aide Koldo Garcia, accepted bribes in exchange for public works contracts. While Cerdan and his co-accused have denied these allegations, evidence, including recordings obtained from Garcia's residence, suggests otherwise.
As the case unfolds, it raises crucial questions about the integrity of public officials. Prime Minister Sanchez has defended his administration's response by highlighting Cerdan's resignation, expressing confidence in the judiciary to ascertain the truth. Meanwhile, political tensions soar as calls for a snap election mount.
(With inputs from agencies.)