MADRID - A Spanish Supreme Court investigating judge ordered ex-senior ruling Socialist Party official Santos Cerdan to be held in pre-trial detention on Monday, in a corruption inquiry that could destabilise Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority government.
The Cerdan case is the latest and most serious in a series of scandals that have left Sanchez having to apologise and fend off calls from opponents for a snap election.
Judge Leopoldo Puente is investigating allegations against Cerdan, former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos and the latter's aide Koldo Garcia that they received kickbacks for awarding public works contracts.
Cerdan, who resigned earlier this month from his position as the Socialist Party’s third-ranking official and lawmaker, denies the allegations. Both Abalos and Garcia say they are innocent.
His resignation followed a statement from Puente citing "strong evidence" of Cerdan's possible involvement in the "improper awarding" of contracts.
Puente said in a court document seen by Reuters that the former official could face charges including membership of a criminal organisation, bribery and influence peddling.
The judge denied bail for Cerdan, citing concerns he might destroy or hide evidence, as his home has not yet been searched. Puente also noted a flight risk.
The case is based on recordings spanning years, seized from Garcia's home, which Puente said appeared to be authentic despite the defendants arguing that their voices had been manipulated. The judge said it appeared that Cerdan was the leader.
Sanchez on Monday defended his Socialist Party's handling of the corruption allegations against Cerdan, saying that it had acted decisively by asking him to resign.
"Justice must determine the responsibilities that Santos Cerdan may have," Sanchez told reporters during a summit in Seville.
Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo reiterated on X that Sanchez should resign and call a snap election.
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