Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez today revealed a 15-point anti-corruption plan as he refused to resign over the Koldo scandal currently engulfing his party.
The Socialists (PSOE) leader told congress that he will not ‘throw in the towel’ and that he will continue in his position, insisting that he is ‘clean’.
READ MORE: What is the Koldo Case currently rocking the Spanish Government?
He said: ‘Because I am a clean politician, because I aspire to regain the trust of the majority of this chamber and because this political project goes far beyond my person and is still not complete.’
It comes amid the ongoing Koldo Case, which is investigating an alleged multi-million euro kickback scheme allegedly orchestrated by key Sanchez allies – chiefly Koldo Garcia, Jose Luis Abalos and Santos Cerdan, the latter of whom has been jailed ahead of trial.
As a response, Sanchez today revealed more details about his 15-point anti-corruption plan.
He described it as the ‘greatest push for the prevention, fight, and repair of corruption ever undertaken in Spain.’
He said: ‘We must pursue the corrupt and the corrupting companies. Therefore, we will toughen the penalties for crimes against public administration in the Penal Code.
‘It is not enough to punish. The damage caused must be repaired. Return to the public what belongs to everyone.
‘We will overcome the corruption crisis. With actions and measures that will strengthen our democracy.
‘With action and coherence, not stepping aside. I face this challenge with determination and humility.’
READ MORE: Pedro Sanchez apologises for corruption amid ongoing Koldo Case scandal
The plan targets political parties, public institutions, businesses and the public itself.
To ensure accountability, the government has struck a deal with the OECD to review the plan’s progress every 14 and 24 months.
At its core are five pillars, each aimed at a different front in the fight against corruption.
Pillar one: Prevention and oversight
The first pillar is dedicated to risk prevention and tightening institutional controls. It includes six key measures:
- A new Independent Public Integrity Agency will be created, with powers to prevent, monitor, and prosecute corruption. The OECD has explicitly backed its formation.
- Integrity mapping and AI-powered risk detection will be extended beyond EU recovery funds to the entire State Administration.
- Public contractors must meet compliance standards. Companies bidding for state work will need internal systems to ensure integrity.
- Integrity pacts already used in several EU countries will become standard in public contracts.
- A new Open Administration Law will include annual asset declarations for senior officials to prevent illicit gain.
- Political party oversight will be sharpened. Foundations receiving over €50,000 in public funds must undergo external audits, to be published within a month of completion.
Pillar Two: Protecting whistleblowers
Whistleblowers will no longer be left exposed. Building on Spain’s Law 2/2023, the plan promises maximum protection for those who report wrongdoing:
- Anyone who brings a corruption case to the courts or public prosecutor must be shielded from retaliation.
- Public and private institutions will be required to provide accessible and secure reporting channels, forming part of a national framework for whistleblower protection.
Pillar Three: Strengthening legal enforcement
To boost Spain’s ability to investigate and punish corruption, the third pillar sets out three structural reforms:
- Specialised corruption courts and judges will be established to fast-track cases and improve outcomes.
- Cases involving public officials will receive preferential treatment, alongside new summary procedures. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office will be further reinforced.
- A major overhaul of Spain’s Criminal Procedure Law will shift investigation powers to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Penalties for public corruption will increase, with pre-registration requirements doubled, fines on construction firms raised, and blacklists introduced to bar convicted companies from future public contracts. Political parties that harbour convicted individuals will lose public subsidies.
Pillar Four: Recovering stolen assets
- The asset recovery office will be expanded and better resourced, improving coordination with the judiciary.
- A system of preventive administrative confiscation will allow authorities to seize assets linked to criminal activity – even without a conviction.
Pillar Five: Building a culture of integrity
- Annual studies will track public perception and firsthand experience of corruption.
- Awareness campaigns will be rolled out to encourage reporting and civic vigilance.
- Public employees will receive enhanced training to recognise and resist corrupt practices.
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