Pedro Sánchez announced that he will not resign. "I have decided to continue. And to continue with more strength, if possible, leading the Government of Spain", he stated.

In a speech given at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, the Spanish Prime Minister began by listing a series of questions, to which he replied that they were not worth continuing for.

"If we allow attacks on innocent people, then it is not worth it. If we allow the most blatant lies to replace evidence-based debate, then it is not worth it", he indicated, considering that there is no basis for the attack that his family was subjected to.

However, in a kind of about-face to what seemed to be a 'farewell', Sánchez ended up arguing that the only way to face these successive attacks is to continue moving forward, stronger than ever.

"This is how democracy is defended", he argued, stating that he will continue in office with all possible commitment.

"I appeal to Spanish society to once again set an example. The evils that afflict us are part of a global movement. Let's show the world how democracy is defended", he stated.

In an initial speech in which he appeared disillusioned with the attack that his family was subjected to, considering that none of this has to do "with political ideology" but rather a personal issue, Pedro Sánchez showed himself to be aware that this "discredit campaign will not stop".

For this reason, he followed with a word of thanks to all those who showed their solidarity, especially for his "dear socialist party" before making the announcement that everyone was expecting.

"The important thing is that we want to thank the expressions of solidarity received from all sides. Thanks to this mobilization, I have decided to continue", he said, also explaining what motivated his decision:"I acted out of a clear conviction. Either we say enough is enough, or this degradation of public life will determine our future, condemning us as a country"

Before communicating the decision to the country, in an announcement scheduled for 11 am this Monday (10 am in mainland Portugal), Sánchez met with King Felipe VI to announce his decision to him in a timely manner.

The Spanish Prime Minister indicated last week that he would think about his future as the country's leader, and has now revealed his decision to the country.

The Spanish leader's decision is related to the opening of a "preliminary inquiry" for alleged influence peddling and corruption by his wife, Begoña Gomez, following a complaint by an organization with ties to the far right based on allegations and articles published on Internet pages and digital media.

The Public Prosecutor's Office requested the dismissal of the complaint the following day, considering that there is no evidence of a crime that justifies the opening of criminal proceedings.

Review Pedro Sánchez's statement here:

[News updated at 10:38 am]

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