PSOE Postpones Expulsion of Extremadura Secretary-General Amid Legal Proceedings
Miguel Ángel Gallardo's membership remains intact as legislative changes allow for exceptions during pending judicial processes.
The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has decided to postpone the expulsion of Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the secretary-general of the party in Extremadura, despite existing guidelines that mandate the resignation of members once a court opens proceedings against them.
The decision follows a recent modification to the party's statutes, which allows for exceptions when legal proceedings are ongoing and defers resignation until a court ruling is issued.
Gallardo is under investigation regarding the hiring of Pedro Sánchez's brother at the Badajoz Provincial Council.
Sources within the PSOE leadership articulated that it is crucial to resolve the pending appeals from the prosecution before taking any steps regarding Gallardo's membership status.
The prosecutor's objections to the case were noted, which could impact the proceedings against him.
A key aspect of the recent change in the party's statutes, ratified during the last Federal Congress, stipulates that members can retain their status while defending themselves against legal actions perceived to be politically motivated.
This provision is encapsulated in a transitional clause, which could allow Gallardo to request that any actions concerning his expulsion be suspended until the legal process concludes.
Current PSOE ethics guidelines dictate that members must voluntarily resign upon the initiation of judicial proceedings concerning allegations of corruption.
A ruling issued by Judge Beatriz Biedma on Thursday confirmed the opening of the trial against Gallardo, stating that automatic suspension of membership applies to individuals facing prosecution for offenses related to corruption.
In Gallardo's situation, allegations of PREVARICACIÓN (abuse of power) and tráfico de influencias (influence peddling) have been raised.
The opening of a trial occurs when a court finds sufficient evidence to proceed after an investigation, and when an accusation formally requests a trial.
Though the ruling to open a trial is not subject to appeal, it can be contested indirectly through a motion filed with higher courts, such as the Provincial Court.
The prosecutor's appeal against the judge's ruling could potentially result in the dismissal of the charges.
The allegations against Gallardo have received further scrutiny due to various civil society groups joining as accusers in the proceedings.
Their actions, however, are coordinated, requiring a unified approach among the groups, which include Manos Limpias, HAZTE OR, LIBERUM, IUSTITIA EUROPA, ABOGADOS CRISTIANOS, Vox, and the Popular Party (PP).
This investigation was launched following a complaint filed by Manos Limpias, opening the possibility for Gallardo to avoid resignation even if judicial appeals are not upheld.
The revised legal framework within the PSOE encourages the view that judicial actions initiated by political adversaries may be aimed at undermining the current administration's credibility.
Internal tensions within the PSOE have also emerged, as Gallardo does not align completely with Sánchez, and there are indications of dissatisfaction among party leadership with Gallardo’s public criticisms, especially following his succession of Guillermo Fernández Vara in 2024. The criticism of party strategies following electoral setbacks has further heightened internal party dynamics, prompting concerns over potential leadership challenges.
Gallardo secured his position following a primary election, indicating persistence amid pressures from the national party leadership.
The decision follows a recent modification to the party's statutes, which allows for exceptions when legal proceedings are ongoing and defers resignation until a court ruling is issued.
Gallardo is under investigation regarding the hiring of Pedro Sánchez's brother at the Badajoz Provincial Council.
Sources within the PSOE leadership articulated that it is crucial to resolve the pending appeals from the prosecution before taking any steps regarding Gallardo's membership status.
The prosecutor's objections to the case were noted, which could impact the proceedings against him.
A key aspect of the recent change in the party's statutes, ratified during the last Federal Congress, stipulates that members can retain their status while defending themselves against legal actions perceived to be politically motivated.
This provision is encapsulated in a transitional clause, which could allow Gallardo to request that any actions concerning his expulsion be suspended until the legal process concludes.
Current PSOE ethics guidelines dictate that members must voluntarily resign upon the initiation of judicial proceedings concerning allegations of corruption.
A ruling issued by Judge Beatriz Biedma on Thursday confirmed the opening of the trial against Gallardo, stating that automatic suspension of membership applies to individuals facing prosecution for offenses related to corruption.
In Gallardo's situation, allegations of PREVARICACIÓN (abuse of power) and tráfico de influencias (influence peddling) have been raised.
The opening of a trial occurs when a court finds sufficient evidence to proceed after an investigation, and when an accusation formally requests a trial.
Though the ruling to open a trial is not subject to appeal, it can be contested indirectly through a motion filed with higher courts, such as the Provincial Court.
The prosecutor's appeal against the judge's ruling could potentially result in the dismissal of the charges.
The allegations against Gallardo have received further scrutiny due to various civil society groups joining as accusers in the proceedings.
Their actions, however, are coordinated, requiring a unified approach among the groups, which include Manos Limpias, HAZTE OR, LIBERUM, IUSTITIA EUROPA, ABOGADOS CRISTIANOS, Vox, and the Popular Party (PP).
This investigation was launched following a complaint filed by Manos Limpias, opening the possibility for Gallardo to avoid resignation even if judicial appeals are not upheld.
The revised legal framework within the PSOE encourages the view that judicial actions initiated by political adversaries may be aimed at undermining the current administration's credibility.
Internal tensions within the PSOE have also emerged, as Gallardo does not align completely with Sánchez, and there are indications of dissatisfaction among party leadership with Gallardo’s public criticisms, especially following his succession of Guillermo Fernández Vara in 2024. The criticism of party strategies following electoral setbacks has further heightened internal party dynamics, prompting concerns over potential leadership challenges.
Gallardo secured his position following a primary election, indicating persistence amid pressures from the national party leadership.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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