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Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) has taken a drastic step in response to a corruption scandal involving senior party officials and allegations of using public funds for illicit activities. The party has banned its members from paying for sex, warning that any violations could result in expulsion. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, aims to address the corruption scandal that has embroiled the party.

At the center of the scandal is Santos Cerdan, the former organizational secretary of the PSOE and a close ally of Sanchez. Cerdan was ordered into pre-trial detention without bail by the Spanish Supreme Court in June, facing charges of bribery, criminal conspiracy, and influence peddling related to the alleged rigging of public contracts worth over €500 million ($585 million). Prosecutors allege that Cerdan played a key role in orchestrating the scheme, which involved distributing at least €5 million in kickbacks among senior officials. Cerdan denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is the target of “political revenge.”

Investigations have uncovered that senior officials allegedly used public funds not only for illicit commissions but also for personal expenses, including the procurement of sexual services. In response to these findings, the PSOE has announced a leadership shake-up and introduced strict disciplinary rules. The party stated that “soliciting, accepting, or obtaining sexual acts in exchange for money” will be punished with “the maximum sanction, expulsion from the party.” Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized the party’s commitment to upholding values, saying, “If we believe a woman’s body is not for sale, our party cannot allow behavior contrary to that.”

Despite mounting criticism and calls for his resignation, Sanchez has refused to step down, stating, “The captain doesn’t look the other way when seas get rough. He stays to steer the ship through the storm.” However, just hours before his scheduled speech, Sanchez faced fresh turmoil after a new scandal emerged involving one of his close allies, Francisco Salazar. Salazar, who had been slated for a senior leadership role, resigned following allegations of inappropriate behavior by several women in the PSOE.

The allegations against Salazar, as reported by elDiario.es, include making obscene comments about female employees’ clothing and bodies, inviting them to dinner alone, and asking them to stay overnight at his home while they worked under him at the Moncloa Palace. Although no formal complaints have been filed, the party has confirmed that it will launch an inquiry into these allegations.

The opposition has been quick to capitalize on the scandals, with Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the People’s Party accusing the Socialists of acting like a “mafia” and demanding elections. Nunez Feijoo stated, “Spaniards deserve a government that doesn’t lie to them, that doesn’t rob them but serves them.” As the PSOE navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the party will restore public trust and address the deep-seated issues that have led to these scandals.