July
The Santos Cerdán corruption case dominated Spanish media, with his definitive imprisonment without bail confirmed in the morning. Judicial investigations expanded throughout the day, implicating potential PSOE party funds and identifying a larger financial scope, with a judge confirming the veracity of Koldo's audios with Cerdán.
The conservative opposition, led by Feijóo, swiftly capitalized, actively engaging Sánchez's parliamentary partners to explore a no-confidence motion, reportedly including a meeting with Puigdemont. Internally, the PSOE showed signs of apprehension, with a pro-Sánchez rally cancellation requested due to anticipated low turnout.
The government expressed "deception" over Cerdán's jailing and later issued an apology for the case, yet affirmed its commitment to its political roadmap. Additionally, a Google executive reportedly confirmed dealings related to Begoña Gómez's software involving payments, adding to the government's scrutiny. Late in the day, a major fire in Segarra with casualties emerged.
02.07.2025
Wednesday

Day Coalition's Future Wavered

Spanish media remained dominated by the Santos Cerdán corruption case, with reports detailing his initial days in prison and the UCO's expanded efforts to trace illicit funds. José Blanco's implication in influence peddling added another layer to the scandal. The political fallout intensified throughout the day as Sumar consistently warned the PSOE that its "disorientation" and "immobility" regarding the case could collapse the legislature, putting the government's future at stake. Concurrently, the People's Party confirmed key leadership changes, naming Tellado as Secretary General and Ester Muñoz as Congressional spokesperson. Separately, major disruptions plagued Barajas T4 airport due to a computer problem, causing significant passenger chaos and lost flights. High-speed rail services also faced interruptions due to a fire in Lleida. Allegations of sexual abuse against a UB professor also gained traction.
03.07.2025
Thursday

Sánchez Purged Cerdán's Circle

Spanish media continued prioritizing the Santos Cerdán corruption case. Early in the day, Sumar maintained pressure, warning the PSOE that its "disorientation" on the case jeopardized government stability. The judicial focus also shifted to five "corrupting" businessmen involved in the network. As the day progressed, Cerdán's defense actively appealed his imprisonment, demanding immediate release, citing presumption of innocence violations, and accusing the judge of directing a "general case" against him. By evening, the political fallout intensified, with Sánchez taking decisive action by dismissing Cerdán's close allies from the PSOE Executive in response to the scandal. Concurrently, the tragic death of footballer Diogo Jota in a traffic accident was widely reported throughout the day.
04.07.2025
Friday

Day Jail Warnings Echoed

Spanish media prioritized the intensifying political and judicial fallout from the Santos Cerdán corruption case. In the morning, attention focused on Pedro Sánchez's internal restructuring of the PSOE, notably the appointment of Rebeca Torró as the new Secretary of Organization, seen as a move to distance the party from Cerdán's circle. Concurrently, judicial probes into the Begoña Gómez case continued, with a judge ordering new call tracing. By mid-day, concerns about judicial integrity emerged with reports of a National Court chief allegedly leaking secrets to Sánchez. As the Popular Party's national congress gained prominence, it became a platform for sharp attacks against the PSOE. Most notably, former Prime Ministers Aznar and Rajoy, along with a PSOE official, publicly warned of potential jail time for party members amidst ongoing corruption scandals, marking a significant escalation in rhetoric.
05.07.2025
Saturday

Salazar's Exit, Sánchez's Address

Spanish media intensely focused on the PSOE's escalating internal crisis. The day began with continued reporting on the political battle between PSOE and PP, and the PSOE's internal restructuring. A significant new development was the resignation of Paco Salazar from the PSOE's executive committee, following multiple accusations of sexual harassment. This compounded the party's challenges amidst the ongoing Cerdán scandal. Prime Minister Sánchez directly addressed the turmoil, acknowledging errors in judgment and "betrayals," while affirming his commitment against corruption and asserting his continued leadership. He announced new anti-corruption measures. Pressure mounted on Sánchez, with calls from within the party for a confidence vote or early elections. Concurrently, the Popular Party re-elected Feijóo as president, who aimed to reclaim the "reformist center" to achieve a "root change" in Spain, intensifying the opposition's attacks on the PSOE.
06.07.2025
Sunday

Feijóo Defines Solo Governance

Spanish media began the day covering the PSOE's internal efforts to solidify Prime Minister Sánchez's leadership amid ongoing challenges related to the Salazar case. Concurrently, the Popular Party's National Congress gained prominence.
As the day progressed, the Congress concluded with Feijóo's re-election, becoming the dominant editorial focus. Isabel Díaz Ayuso delivered sharp criticisms against the Sánchez government, linking it to corruption. Feijóo then defined his vision for a "solo government," asserting he would not veto Vox or the PSOE, explicitly excluding only Bildu.
He accused Sánchez of attempting to disrupt national coexistence. New corruption allegations regarding Sánchez's awareness of Salazar's "excesses" also surfaced. These developments charted a clear strategic direction for the Popular Party, positioning Feijóo squarely against Sánchez.
Spanish media continued extensive coverage of the Koldo corruption scandal. Morning reports detailed deepening judicial scrutiny, with new imputations for figures like Isabel Pardo de Vera and overwhelming evidence cited against Koldo and Ábalos. Prime Minister Sánchez responded by announcing a "powerful" package of anti-corruption measures for Congress, while his government continued to navigate internal PSOE divisions. The Popular Party reinforced Feijóo's leadership, clarifying a commitment to repeat elections rather than form a coalition with Vox. A significant development in the afternoon was the European Union's decision to freeze over a billion euros in recovery funds to Spain, citing non-compliance with agreed reforms such as the diesel tax. This external financial pressure added a new dimension to the government's challenges as the corruption investigation expanded.
Spanish media on July 8 extensively covered escalating corruption investigations, now implicating both the government and the opposition. The day began with the European Union cutting funds to Spain and citing a lack of anti-corruption strategy, a concern that grew throughout the day into formal admonishments from Brussels. Domestically, new allegations emerged regarding past practices within the PSOE, followed by reports of the UCO finding documents linking Isabel Pardo de Vera to the Koldo case and Adif mask purchases. Later, scrutiny broadened to Feijóo's close circle and a judicial opening against a "PSOE plumber" linked to Sánchez's brother. Concurrently, major wildfires in Catalonia intensified, leading to widespread confinement and evacuations, becoming a prominent and concerning development throughout the day.
09.07.2025
Wednesday

Sánchez Confronted Corruption

On July 9, Spanish media focused on Prime Minister Sánchez's pivotal congressional appearance regarding escalating corruption cases. Early reports indicated his efforts to retain coalition support by conceding demands, even as judicial scrutiny around figures like Cerdán continued. Sánchez publicly admitted he considered resigning amidst the scandal but declared his resolve to "not throw in the towel," asserting his integrity. He unveiled a comprehensive state anti-corruption plan, comprising 15 measures developed with the OCDE, including new agencies and stricter penalties, framing corruption as a national crisis. The opposition, led by Feijóo, intensified attacks, questioning Sánchez's moral standing and linking him to wider allegations. Despite this, government-aligned outlets suggested Sánchez emerged strengthened, with his partners providing a "ballon of oxygen" to ensure legislative continuity.
10.07.2025
Thursday

The Day Investigations Expanded

Spanish media on July 10 centered on the government's attempts to navigate persistent corruption allegations, following Prime Minister Sánchez's congressional appearance. Early reports noted the government feeling "reinforced" by coalition partners, with Sánchez announcing an anti-corruption plan. However, judicial scrutiny continued to expand. Mid-morning headlines intensified focus on new allegations linking Begoña Gómez's family to a "sexual business", with the PP defending its aggressive questioning. By early afternoon, judicial developments dominated, as the Supreme Court and judges demanded detailed information on former minister Ábalos's donations to the PSOE, dating back to 2014. Concurrently, claims resurfaced about a public building allegedly used as a brothel. These ongoing investigations and specific allegations maintained the narrative of political vulnerability and judicial pressure on the Sánchez government throughout the day.
11.07.2025
Friday

Sánchez Support Recedes

The political landscape for the Sánchez government dramatically shifted on July 11, with Spanish media intensely reporting the PP's escalating "personal war" campaign. Early focus centered on continued judicial scrutiny of former minister Ábalos's payments and new allegations linking Prime Minister Sánchez's family to "brothels." This aggressive offensive gained significant traction with the publication of new CIS polls throughout the day, which showed a seven-point decline for the PSOE. The polls notably narrowed the party's lead over the PP and indicated strong gains for Vox, attributing this shift to the ongoing corruption crisis, particularly the Cerdán case. Concurrently, political debate deepened regarding Catalonia's financing, with regional leaders expressing concern over equitable agreements and Compromís threatening support. Later, allegations of illegal "state sewer" espionage against Sánchez and his family also emerged, adding another layer to the government's challenges.
12.07.2025
Saturday

Tariffs Begin, Rains Engulf

Spanish media on July 12 continued its focus on political pressure surrounding Prime Minister Sánchez, with the alleged links between his father-in-law and brothels debated in parliament, extending the "state sewer" narrative from previous days. Concurrently, severe weather dominated domestic coverage. Early reports highlighted emergency declarations in Aragon due to heavy rains. By midday, the focus shifted to Catalonia, where torrential downpours led to AEMET red alerts and the complete suspension of train services across the region. As the afternoon progressed, a new international development emerged: President Trump's announcement of 30% tariffs on EU imports, set to take effect August 1, which quickly became a leading story. By evening, attention remained on the tariffs and the aftermath of the storms in Catalonia, including the urgent search for two missing persons in Cubelles following the swelling of the Foix river.
The day's Spanish headlines centered on two converging narratives. Internationally, discussions continued regarding Donald Trump's confirmed 30% tariffs on EU imports, with reports that the EU opted to delay retaliatory measures until August, seeking further negotiations. Domestically, political tensions persisted around the Sánchez government, with renewed focus on the Koldo corruption case as fresh allegations of money laundering within the Socialist Party's headquarters emerged. However, the afternoon saw a shift in editorial focus. The Wimbledon men's singles final, featuring Carlos Alcaraz, garnered extensive coverage, culminating in Jannik Sinner's victory. Concurrently, a significant new development dominated domestic news: violent clashes erupted in Torre Pacheco between ultra groups and Moroccan residents, leading to investigations into hate crimes and drawing widespread media attention.
The day's editorial focus initially centered on the escalating xenophobic violence in Torre Pacheco, with reports of racism, looting, and alleged 'hunts' against immigrants. By late morning, arrests mounted, and PSOE and Podemos filed hate crime complaints against Vox leaders for inciting the unrest. Concurrently, the critical negotiations for Catalonia's singular financing model gained prominence. By midday, a pact was sealed between the central government and the Generalitat, granting Catalonia the ability to collect its own income tax. This agreement immediately sparked strong opposition from PP leaders and other regional governments in the afternoon, who threatened legal action and denounced it, signaling a deepening political divide across Spain.
15.07.2025
Tuesday

Torre Pacheco's Quiet Evening

The Torre Pacheco narrative, which had dominated headlines, shifted significantly. In the morning, media focused on the unrest's impact, the aggressors' backgrounds, and anticipation of a major demonstration, building on the previous day's racial strife. By late morning, investigations into hate crimes and a prosecutor's probe into Vox's Murcia president gained prominence. The early afternoon brought reports of calming efforts by imams and key arrests, with heightened security for the evening's planned protest. Concurrently, the Supreme Court rejected investigating Minister Bolaños, desautorizing a judge's request. By evening, the anti-immigration protest in Torre Pacheco drew minimal participants, signaling a de-escalation of this anticipated event. Meanwhile, the amnesty law faced intensified scrutiny from Brussels before the EU Court of Justice, and a significant agreement on Social Security transfer to the Basque Country was finalized.
16.07.2025
Wednesday

The Day Hate's Roots Were Bared

The morning headlines initially reported a de-escalation of anti-immigrant protests in Torre Pacheco, noting minimal attendance and police containment of radical elements. However, editorial focus quickly shifted to the underlying xenophobia, with extensive coverage detailing the far-right's role, labeling the unrest "white supremacist terrorism," and discussing its origins in second-generation immigrants. Investigations into hate crimes against a Vox Murcia president and the arrest of an individual inciting "hunts" gained prominence, alongside concerns about disinformation. The political discourse on migration intensified throughout the day, with Feijóo adopting calls for immediate deportation of irregulars, countered by Sánchez advocating "safe and legal" migration and defending immigrants' economic contributions. Later, PP-led regions announced plans to reject the government's proposed distribution of minor migrants. Separately, a new development emerged as former Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro and his team were indicted for allegedly altering laws to benefit gas companies.
Montoro's corruption case dominated, beginning with his indictment for favoring gas companies. The PP initially defended him, but he resigned from the party as details of his team's 'modus operandi' emerged. This move placed the PP under renewed scrutiny. Concurrently, the European Union launched proceedings against Spain for obstructing BBVA's takeover bid for Sabadell, a significant economic development. Social tensions in Torre Pacheco persisted, marked by a severe incident in La Isleta and the Interior Ministry's focus on far-right groups; a victim publicly distanced himself from extreme narratives. Additionally, the contentious debate over minor migrant distribution intensified as PP-led regions boycotted talks. Later in the day, large wildfires near Madrid prompted alerts and evacuations.
18.07.2025
Friday

Montoro's Entangled Threads

The Montoro corruption investigation remained the central editorial priority, expanding throughout the day. Morning reports detailed his imputation and the PP's initial deflections, with Feijóo calling for investigation amidst revelations of the case's vast scale. By early afternoon, the probe intensified with Hacienda dismissing implicated officials and new disclosures about alleged information leaks involving prominent figures from Montoro's firm, extending beyond gas companies to include electrical and renewables sectors. Incriminating emails concerning payments were highlighted as the investigation's origin. Concurrently, political friction over migrant minors persisted, with the government warning PP-led regions of legal action, continuing a trend from previous days. Efforts for Catalan's official EU language status stalled due to lack of unanimity. In the evening, the Women's Eurocopa match between Spain and Switzerland gained significant prominence.
19.07.2025
Saturday

Montoro: The Billions Uncovered

The Montoro corruption investigation remained the central editorial priority, with a significant deepening of financial details throughout the day. Morning reports continued to scrutinize initial payment revelations and political infighting. By mid-morning, focus shifted to "reserved information" on tax inspections allegedly sent to Montoro's chief of staff and the judicial identification of fifteen shell companies used to divert funds. The afternoon saw new details emerge about a fiscal brigade supplying an "arsenal of reserved information" and the Civil Guard investigating possible fund diversion abroad from Montoro's firm. In the evening, reports revealed companies allegedly saved nearly a billion euros in tax benefits, with Vox formally joining as an accuser. This continued the probe's evolution, moving from initial indictments to the alleged financial mechanisms. Concurrently, wildfires persisted in various regions, though with improving containment in Alicante and Ávila, reflecting an ongoing summer concern.
Spanish media continued its intense focus on the Montoro corruption investigation, with new details emerging throughout the day. Morning reports from RTVE indicated the Civil Guard was investigating possible fund diversion abroad from Montoro's firm. Crucially, El País reported Hacienda concluded Montoro personally pushed tax cuts for gas companies against expert advice, coinciding with company payments. By early afternoon, newly uncovered emails, according to La Razón, detailed "maneuvers" within Hacienda, revealing the case's political entanglement for the Popular Party. RTVE further elaborated that Montoro benefited gas companies against the explicit criteria of several Rajoy ministers. In the late afternoon, La Razón highlighted a lobby linked to Montoro mediating with Hacienda to "polish" the issues. Público also reported the case prosecutor requested urgent analysis of hundreds of bank accounts the UCO had held for months, showing ongoing investigative efforts.
Spanish media continued its extensive focus on two major corruption investigations. The 'Montoro case' deepened in the morning, with Anticorrupción alleging the use of front men to conceal illicit assets and reports linking millions from Madrid's government to his company, also implicating Catalá's son. Further details emerged about "dirty war" files and dangerous audios concerning Rafael Catalá, along with accusations of the PP "selling" the Official State Gazette. Concurrently, the 'Koldo case' escalated significantly in the afternoon. Courts withdrew passports and prohibited two former high-ranking Transport officials, Isabel Pardo de Vera and Javier Herrero, from leaving Spain. Pardo de Vera reportedly testified to Koldo's insistence regarding public works adjudications, despite denials of wrongdoing from both.
22.07.2025
Tuesday

The Energy Decree Fell in Congress

The legislative session saw the government suffer a significant setback with the defeat of its "anti-blackout" energy decree in Congress. In the afternoon, the Popular Party, joined by Junts, Vox, Podemos, and BNG, voted against the measure, overturning a key government initiative. This marked a clear legislative defeat for the Sánchez administration. Concurrently, the government officially approved a new law to declassify secrets from the Franco regime and the Transition period, a topic that received consistent attention throughout the day. However, reports also noted that the law would allow some secrets to remain classified for national security reasons. Separately, the prominent Juana Rivas case saw a new development as a Granada judge postponed the handover of her youngest son to his father until Friday, following seven months of retention. Corruption investigations, particularly the ongoing Montoro case, continued to be reported, with new allegations surfacing regarding illegal PSOE financing.
Spanish media coverage for July 23rd centered on deepening corruption probes. The Supreme Court repeatedly upheld Santos Cerdán's provisional detention, citing his "directing role" in a corruption plot. Simultaneously, a new political scandal emerged as allegations surfaced that the Popular Party systematically fabricated CVs for high-ranking members, leading to Noelia Núñez's resignation. Further corruption news included new revelations linking former minister Ábalos to Begoña Gómez concerning a rescue operation, and ongoing details from the Montoro case, specifically regarding tax agency vetos. While political tensions also included government clashes over state secrets and a warning of a "negative majority" in Congress, the evening saw a notable shift in editorial focus to sports, with Spain's women's national football team prominently highlighted for reaching its first Eurocup final after Aitana Bonmatí's decisive goal.
24.07.2025
Thursday

The Curriculum's Shadow Lengthened

The day's editorial focus in Spain continued to highlight political integrity and corruption. Building on yesterday's revelations, the Popular Party faced intensifying scrutiny over alleged fabricated CVs, culminating in Noelia Núñez's resignation early in the day. By evening, this issue extended to Yolanda Díaz's academic qualifications, reflecting a broader media focus on politicians' professional backgrounds.
Concurrently, the multi-day Montoro case saw a judge rule out political misuse of the Tax Agency, though reports on his consultants' financial dealings persisted.
Spain's economy gained significant media attention with repeated reports of employment surpassing 22 million and unemployment reaching a 2008 low.
Internationally, the European Union's approval of potential tariffs against US products dominated economic headlines, influencing the ECB's decision to pause interest rate cuts due to trade war fears. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza also garnered deeper international concern, with the UN's stark descriptions.
25.07.2025
Friday

The Child Returned

The day's editorial focus culminated in the resolution of the long-standing Juana Rivas child custody case. Early morning reports detailed the order for her to hand over her youngest son. By mid-morning, Juana Rivas delivered the child to Francesco Arcuri at the Granada courts, who subsequently recovered his son and began his return to Italy, marking a definitive point in the private procedure. Concurrently, corruption investigations remained prominent. News developed regarding an audio recording where Aldama reportedly disassociated Begoña Gómez from the Air Europa rescue. This evidence was allegedly omitted by investigators, leading the government to later label the omission as "biased," intensifying scrutiny of the probe's handling.
26.07.2025
Saturday

Koldo's Day of Disclosures

The primary editorial focus on July 26th continued to be the Koldo corruption investigation, with new details emerging throughout the day. Early morning reports highlighted the UCO's alleged omission of an audio recording potentially exculpating Begoña Gómez in the Air Europa rescue, linking back to previous days' scrutiny of the probe's handling. As the day progressed, media revealed more on Koldo García's alleged financial demands from Ábalos's son and scandalous personal conduct. Concurrently, the long-running Juana Rivas child custody battle saw follow-up reports detailing her remaining legal avenues in Italy after her son's return the previous day. Broader political integrity issues also persisted, with continued scrutiny of President Sánchez by the Popular Party and ongoing revelations from the Montoro tax scandal and transparency concerns in Congress.
27.07.2025
Sunday

The Penalty Decides the Final

Spanish media on July 27th focused significantly on ongoing political accountability and corruption probes. Early reports detailed the Supreme Court's validation of Koldo case audios while denying his UCO collaboration. The 'Montoro case' continued to unfold, revealing alleged efforts to privatize democracy during the Rajoy era, with new details emerging on the UCO's past resistance to searches.
International attention was drawn to Israel's announcement of resumed aid to Gaza. By mid-afternoon, the Women's Euro final between Spain and England became the dominant editorial priority, receiving real-time coverage. Spain took the lead, but England equalized, pushing the match to extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout, where Spain suffered defeat. Concurrently, a significant international development saw the EU and US reaching an agreement on 15% tariffs, aiming to avert a trade war.
Spanish media on July 28 significantly focused on Prime Minister Sánchez's public statements. In the mid-morning, he outlined an optimistic economic assessment, asserting Spain's growth and dismissing notions of early elections, committing to a full legislative term and promising to present the 2026 budget. This was a dominant theme throughout the day, alongside news of the government's agreement to extend birth leave. Concurrently, the recently announced US-EU agreement on reciprocal 15% tariffs emerged as a major international story early in the day, with outlets analyzing its specific impact on Spain. Investigations into corruption, notably the Koldo and Montoro cases, continued to feature, with new UCO revelations in the evening regarding the latter. Social issues like the housing crisis also received attention.
29.07.2025
Tuesday

The Prosecutor to the Bench

The Spanish media day began with continued reports on Prime Minister Sánchez's political resolve and his team's internal tensions, alongside emerging details in ongoing corruption investigations, including new Koldo audio. However, the editorial focus decisively shifted around midday to the Supreme Court's confirmation of the Prosecutor General, García Ortiz, facing trial for allegedly revealing secrets concerning Ayuso's partner. This development dominated headlines. Subsequently, the Popular Party called for his immediate resignation. In a notable counter-response, the government publicly reiterated its full support for the Prosecutor General, asserting belief in his innocence despite the court's decision. Meanwhile, the Koldo corruption case continued to reveal minor new allegations, though largely in the shadow of the Prosecutor General's judicial process.
30.07.2025
Wednesday

The Earthquake's Pacific Echoes

The Spanish media's editorial focus on July 30th was significantly reshaped by a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka peninsula. Early reports highlighting the Prosecutor General García Ortiz's impending trial and new details in the Koldo corruption case were quickly overshadowed by widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific. Throughout the day, headlines tracked the evolving international situation, from the initial alerts to the arrival of first waves in Hawaii and evacuations in Fukushima, and subsequently, the gradual lowering of warnings, despite aftershocks. Domestically, the Prosecutor General's trial remained a background concern, with the government reiterating support. A new prominent domestic development was Santos Cerdán's appeal to the Constitutional Court for his release, citing proximity to the Prime Minister. Internal government dissent regarding the Prosecutor General's defense also emerged.
The day in Spanish media opened with the DANA commissioner's resignation amid investigations into alleged curriculum falsification and fraud, a development stemming from previous days' reports. This initial focus soon shifted as a Madrid court indicted a PSOE "fixer" for bribery and influence peddling, rapidly becoming a central judicial and political concern. Further details emerged regarding financial transactions linked to Santos Cerdán's company. Concurrently, the opposition leader Feijóo delivered a strong critique of the government, asserting the current legislature had run its course. As the day closed, an Economist article, widely highlighted, intensified the domestic political narrative by suggesting Prime Minister Sánchez faced a choice between resignation and early elections, encapsulating the mounting pressure.
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