Podemos has officially announced its decision not to participate in the round of contact meetings convened by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez with his coalition partners, declaring that Sánchez is not 'legitimized' to lead a progressive government.

This statement was made by Pablo Fernández, the Secretary of Organization and co-spokesperson for Podemos, during a press conference on Monday.

Fernández criticized the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) following a report from the Civil Guard’s Organized Crime and Anti-Drug Team (UCO), which revealed alleged corruption involving kickbacks linked to public works contract awards.

The report implicated Santos Cerdán, the former Secretary of Organization of the PSOE.

The Podemos leader emphasized, 'We are not facing isolated cases of Koldo or Ábalos or Santos Cerdán, but rather a case involving the PSOE as a whole.' He accused Sánchez of inaction, stating, 'Four days after the UCO report, Sánchez has not taken any real measures.

Asking for forgiveness is not enough; he is late.' Fernández called for full accountability from those involved in the corruption allegations, demanding that all involved parties be identified, that stolen funds be returned to the public, and that implicated companies be barred from receiving future government contracts.

Given this context, Fernández asserted that Podemos would not engage in the upcoming discussions, asserting it was 'absolutely clear' that Sánchez lacks the legitimacy to lead a progressive government.

He further noted that Podemos intends to focus on building an alternative platform free from corruption, opposing austerity measures, military spending, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Yolanda Díaz, a coalition partner and the Minister of Labor, confirmed her attendance at the round of contacts with Sánchez, scheduled for later that afternoon.

This development from Podemos follows declarations made earlier in the day by Irene Montero, Podemos’ Political Secretary and Member of the European Parliament.

In an interview on TVE's _La Hora de La 1_, Montero stated that Podemos would 'never facilitate a government formed by the PP and Vox' through any potential vote of no confidence or confidence motion.

She characterized such parliamentary tools as beneficial for the PSOE and PP, but not for the public.

In addressing the idea that Podemos might be a determining factor in Sánchez's exit from government, Montero reiterated that it was a misconception, highlighting that only the Prime Minister possesses the authority to call for elections.

She accused the current governance of providing the 'red carpet' for far-right elements.

Amidst a perceived crisis of governance and cohesion within the left, Montero urged the public not to resign to choosing 'between the lesser of two evils,' advocating for alternative solutions as demonstrated by Podemos during its time in government, where it facilitated significant legislation such as the increase in the minimum wage, the 'Yes Means Yes' law, and the housing law.