Spanish Official Faces Scrutiny in Public Works Scandal

Allegations of Improper Payments and Vote Manipulation Rock PSOE

A high-ranking member of Spain’s ruling Socialist party, **Santos Cerdán**, is under investigation following reports of alleged involvement in a scheme to improperly award public works contracts in exchange for kickbacks. The unfolding scandal also includes accusations of manipulating internal party elections.

Judge Orders Voluntary Testimony

Supreme Court Judge **Leopold Puente** has requested that **Santos Cerdán** voluntarily provide testimony on June 25th, citing “consistent indications” of his potential participation in the illicit activities. The investigation centers around a report by the Anti-Corruption Unit (UCO) detailing a pattern of irregularities in public works projects.

Despite claiming he hadn’t read the UCO report, **Cerdán** was observed reviewing the document during a parliamentary session. He has been fielding numerous calls throughout the day as the allegations gain prominence.

Allegations of Kickbacks and Manipulation

The UCO report alleges a “continuous recurring operation” where public works contracts were awarded based on improper considerations. A transcribed conversation reportedly captures **Cerdán** discussing a payment of “550,000” with **Koldo García**, related to settling debts owed to former Minister **José Luis Ábalos**, according to investigators.

“There are 550,000 and we discounted from that.”

—Santos Cerdán, as transcribed by the Civil Guard

Investigators believe **Cerdán** was responsible for managing the funds and payments linked to these alleged fraudulent awards. Furthermore, the UCO claims **Cerdán** directed **Koldo García** to manipulate ballots during the 2014 PSOE primaries that led to **Pedro Sánchez**’s leadership.

Corruption remains a significant concern for Spanish voters. According to a 2024 Eurobarometer survey, 53% of Spaniards believe corruption is widespread in their country (Eurobarometer 2024).

Legal Implications

The judge believes **Cerdán**’s alleged actions could constitute crimes of criminal organization and bribery. Because he is a member of parliament, a formal investigation requires approval from the Supreme Court and a request to the Congress of Deputies to waive his parliamentary immunity.

The investigation continues, and the allegations pose a serious challenge to the PSOE government as it navigates a complex political landscape.