PP demands Sánchez resignation after UCO report links ex-chief of staff to PSOE 'cloacas' plot
A Guardia Civil report implicates Pedro Sánchez's former chief of staff in the PSOE's alleged 'cloacas' plot, prompting the PP to renew calls for the prime minister's resignation.
UCO report details
The Unidad Central Operativa of the Guardia Civil delivered a new report to magistrate Santiago Pedraz. It describes the role of Juan Manuel Serrano, who served as Pedro Sánchez's chief of staff from 2014 to 2018 and later as president of Correos. The report says Serrano was involved in two alleged schemes: the so-called 'cloacas' plot to destabilize judicial proceedings against the PSOE, and the rigging of public contracts through the Hirurok group, whose members include Leire Díez and Santos Cerdán.
Hiring of Leire Díez
According to the UCO, Serrano directly participated in the hiring of Leire Díez at the state postal company. The report describes the hiring as 'strategic' for the contract irregularities. PP's Cuca Gamarra said the job profile was tailored to Díez's CV, calling it 'a profile tailored for the plumber in a government tailored for corruption.'
It's not that Sánchez doesn't know anything, but that he is the center of all the plots.
PP demands resignation
Gamarra, the PP's vicesecretary of Regeneration, demanded Sánchez's immediate resignation and called for elections. She said the report contains 'more evidence that everything was set up from Ferraz,' the PSOE headquarters. She also questioned whether public money was used to finance the alleged scheme, noting that the hiring at Correos suggests it was. The PP has repeatedly urged Sánchez to file a complaint against Leire Díez if the information is false, but he has not done so. Gamarra suggested this is a new reason for the PSOE not to sue.
Editorial calls for Sánchez to testify
An editorial in ABC argues that the accumulation of implicated close collaborators (José Luis Ábalos, Santos Cerdán, Leire Díez, and now Serrano) makes it pertinent to ask when Sánchez will be called to testify. It notes that Sánchez could be summoned as a witness before the Audiencia Nacional, or as an investigated person if the magistrate sends a reasoned exposition to the Supreme Court. The editorial says Sánchez is receiving 'extremely delicate' treatment from the justice system.
Meeting at Ferraz and SEPI link
Gamarra also highlighted that two days after Sánchez's 'tearful letter' to citizens, a meeting took place at Ferraz with top leaders to orchestrate the response. The UCO report further places Serrano in a plot to obtain benefits through operations of the SEPI, the state industrial holding company.
