Díez and Santos Cerdán Would Have Formed an Organization to “Systematically and Continuously Destabilize Any Judicial Procedure or Police Action That Could Impact the Interests of the PSOE or the Government”
The PSOE has disclosed in court that it paid former militant Leire Díez a total of 44,859.40 gross euros for communications work done for its Cantabrian federation between 2015 and 2017. This amount is notably higher than the 15,612 euros previously communicated by the party to Judge Arturo Zamarriego, who oversees the case in Madrid. This revelation comes amid a crucial phase in the investigation, as Judge Santiago Pedraz has started to release details from the ongoing summary.
On May 26, 2026, Pedraz ordered the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard to gather accounting documents, corporate emails, and access records from the PSOE headquarters in Madrid. The operation lasted over twelve hours and included searches at the residences of key figures like Santos Cerdán, the former Secretary of Organization, and Gaspar Zarrías, a former vice president.
In his judicial order, Pedraz outlined a supposed organization led by Cerdán and coordinated by Díez, with the stated goal of “systematically and continuously destabilizing any judicial procedure or police action” detrimental to the interests of the PSOE and the Government.
Sánchez Announces Budgets Amidst Leire Díez Case
The President of the Government Trusts in a Positive Outcome for the Amnesty Law in European Courts
Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government, has declared intentions to initiate procedures for the presentation of the General State Budgets this week. The plan is set to commence with the publication of a ministerial order, anticipated to enter the parliamentary phase within the next quarter.
Urtasun Calls the Situation “Unpresentable”
Ernest Urtasun, the Minister of Culture and spokesperson for Sumar, has characterized the details emerging from the Leire Díez case as “unpresentable.” However, he has emphasized that it is the responsibility of justice to determine whether the matters under investigation constitute a criminal offense.
Former UCO Chief Accuses Government of Interference
Rafael Yuste, who previously oversaw UCO, testified that he had been pressured by government officials to halt investigations targeting Pedro Sánchez’s brother. During his testimony, it was revealed that two meetings occurred where he was instructed to steer investigative actions away from Sánchez’s close aides.
Evidence Collected from Ferraz Headquarters
The investigation yielded substantial evidence, including Santos Cerdán’s personal laptop, numerous boxes of documents, and multiple external hard drives from the PSOE headquarters. This evidence is integral to understanding the alleged conspiracy financing meant to disrupt legal proceedings against the party.
Leire Díez Boasted of High-Level Access
Leire Díez reportedly flaunted her connections with top government officials during meetings with Civil Guard commander Rubén Villalba. She claimed direct access to high-ranking officials within both the party and the government, asserting her influence and authority in critical operations.
Government Urges Respect for Presumption of Innocence
Minister Ángel Víctor Torres called for respect for the presumption of innocence, arguing that individuals under investigation should not face premature condemnation based on political motivations. He emphasized the importance of allowing judicial processes to unfold without external interference.