Spain’s PM forbids his party members from hiring sex workers

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has banned members of his parties from hiring sex workers.

It comes as his party faces allegations of corruption and sexual harassment, prompting resignations and leadership changes.

Here’s what you need to know.

What happened?

Over the weekend, Spanish media outlet elDiario published allegations of sexual harassment against Francisco Salazar, a member of Sanchez’ Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), by party workers and volunteers.

Some of those who made the allegations were Salazar’s employees.

One government employee described his behaviour as “sexual harassment and abuse of power”.

She said her refusal to meet with him outside of work resulted in “reduced responsibilities at work” and fewer opportunities for promotions.

The employee said she had been warned by colleagues not to meet with him away from work.

Salazar has since resigned. He denies the allegations.

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It comes amid an ongoing scandal relating to a former government minister, José Luis Ábalos, who was discovered to have hired sex workers despite the PSOE’s stance on banning sex work in Spain. Ábalos is also part of an alleged scheme to profit from government contracts.

Additionally, another high-ranking party official, Santos Cerdán, described by media as Sanchez’s “right-hand man,” has recently been accused of being part of the government contract scheme.

Cerdán is being held in custody while he is investigated for corruption.

Response

In a press conference, Sanchez said he “should not have trusted” Cerdán. He committed to an external review of the party’s finances.

Sanchez has also since said women should “have a greater role in the party,” and modified his party’s code of ethics to include their “firm commitment to the abolition of prostitution”.

Party members found to have hired sex workers will now be expelled.

Sanchez also said: “You elected me to be the captain of the ship. And the captain doesn’t back down when the sea hits.”

The opposition People’s Party has criticised Sanchez, saying: “The only anti-corruption package that Sanchez can present this Wednesday in Congress is his resignation…

“The captain has sunk the socialist ship, but we will prevent him from sinking the ship of Spain.”