Sánchez survives a marathon Congress grilling, refuses to resign or call elections
5½ hours answering for a string of PSOE probes; the Senate demands a vote he won't give
Summary
On 24 June 2026 Pedro Sanchez appeared before Congress for more than five hours to answer for some 15 judicial probes around the PSOE. He insisted "I never knew nor would have tolerated" Jose Luis Abalos's conduct, denied systemic corruption, and vowed to serve the remaining year of the legislature to 2027. PP leader Feijóo told him "if everyone turns out to be a rogue, the rogue is you"; Junts demanded he "step aside," ERC asked whether he knew about Ábalos, and Podemos urged him to go. The PP-majority Senate passed a non-binding motion demanding elections — but Junts abstained and the PNV voted against, signalling no immediate parliamentary path to topple him. The appearance followed the Spain's Supreme Court jails Sánchez's former right-hand man Ábalos for 24 years and the live Cerdán stays jailed and the Civil Guard searches PSOE HQ over a party 'plumber' in Spain.
By the numbers
- 5+ hours — length of the appearance.
- ~15 — judicial proceedings touching the PSOE and its orbit.
- 1 — non-binding Senate motion for elections (PNV against, Junts abstained).
- 1 year — term Sánchez vows to serve, to the scheduled 2027 vote.
Why it matters
Sánchez chose to absorb the blows and stay, betting his fractious partners won't actually pull the plug. The Senate motion is symbolic, but every new conviction narrows his room — survival now depends on Junts, ERC and the PNV continuing to prefer him to the alternative.
What to watch
- Whether any coalition partner moves from rhetoric to withdrawing support.
- Further rulings in the Cerdán and Leire Díez strands.
- Whether Sánchez can pass any budget with his shrinking goodwill.