Spain enters one of its most tense political phases in recent years. While there has been no formal announcement of snap elections, the accumulation of scandals, institutional deadlock, internal party unrest and dwindling parliamentary support has created a climate that is now openly acknowledged as critical even within government ranks.

Spa.in Press

Government under pressure: scandals, loss of trust and the debate over early elections

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) is under intense pressure. A succession of political controversies, internal tensions and a growing perception that the government has lost control of its own narrative have pushed the executive onto the defensive.

Notably, concern is no longer confined to the opposition. In recent days, senior figures within the PSOE have spoken openly of anxiety and political fatigue. Behind closed doors, fears are mounting that each new revelation further erodes public trust and weakens the government’s ability to govern effectively.

The María Jesús Montero case: damage by association, not guilt

One particularly sensitive chapter centres on María Jesús Montero, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister — a key figure within the executive.

At the heart of the current controversy is not a criminal accusation against Montero herself, but her personal and political proximity to an individual arrested in connection with the Leire Díez affair, a case that had already caused significant political damage to the PSOE.

Although Montero is not formally implicated in any wrongdoing, the disclosure of this connection has triggered a powerful political backlash. The opposition accuses the government of poor judgement, while within the PSOE concern is growing that the perception is taking hold of a governing circle repeatedly entangled in problematic associations.

For many observers, the case is primarily symbolic: it reinforces the image of a government driven by crises rather than one setting its own political agenda.

Eroding support from pro-independence parties

Another decisive factor behind the current instability is the increasingly distant stance of regional pro-independence parties, particularly in Catalonia, but also in the Basque Country.

It was these parties that brought Sánchez to power in the first place. Without their votes, the prime minister would never have secured the parliamentary majority required to form a government. From the outset, their support was politically fragile and conditional, tied to specific concessions on issues such as amnesty, self-government and territorial dialogue.

Now, however, signs are multiplying that Catalan parties in particular are beginning to scale back their backing. Public criticism, tougher negotiating positions and a refusal to support key legislative initiatives unconditionally all point to a gradual erosion of trust.

For the government, this is especially dangerous. The loss of just a handful of votes can be enough to block legislation or derail crucial parliamentary ballots. Politically, this means growing dependence combined with declining loyalty from its partners.

Sexual scandals shake the governing party’s moral foundations

One of the most delicate aspects of the current crisis involves a series of sexual scandals linked to figures within or close to the governing party. These include allegations of sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour and suspected cover-ups within internal party structures.

It should be stressed that not all cases have been legally concluded, nor have all resulted in criminal convictions. Politically, however, the damage is substantial — particularly because the PSOE has for years presented itself as a standard-bearer of feminist politics and gender equality.

Within the party, concern is growing that the gap between political rhetoric and internal reality is undermining the government’s moral credibility. The opposition speaks openly of double standards, while voices within the PSOE are calling for a deeper reckoning to prevent further loss of trust.

For many observers, these affairs mark a turning point: it is not any single scandal that is decisive, but their accumulation.

Early elections? Not decided — but more plausible than before

Formally, Spain is not heading towards snap elections. There is no legal process under way in that direction, and the government insists it intends to complete the current legislative term.

Politically, however, the situation is more fragile than it was just a few months ago. Should further scandals emerge, support from pro-independence parties continue to erode, or key parliamentary votes be lost, the government’s capacity to govern could be seriously called into question.

Early elections are therefore not a decided course of action, but a scenario now openly discussed — including within government circles themselves.