The leader of the opposition socialist PSOE party, José Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who he accuses of “collusion” with indicted former treasurer of the ruling People’s Party (PP), Luis Bárcenas.
Rubalcaba called for the prime minister to step down in the wake of the July 14 publication by daily El Mundo of SMS messages between Rajoy and Bárcenas from 2011 to 2013. Bárcenas, who is currently in prison, is the main defendant in a court investigation into allegations the PP maintained a second set of accounts that were notably used to pay irregular bonuses to its leaders, in particular to Rajoy.
In the most recent SMS, from March 2013, Rajoy advised Bárcenas to stay “strong”. Further revelations are expected on July 15, when Bárcenas is scheduled to appear in court. His declarations “could shake up the People’s Party," notes the daily.
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!