Spanish PM announces decision to stay in his position

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday morning that he would retain his role despite what he considers to be unjustified attacks on his wife Begona Gomez from right and the far-right opponents, reported Xinhua.

Sanchez visited King Felipe VI of Spain earlier in the morning, before confirming his decision in a declaration made from his official residence at the Palacio de la Moncloa on the outskirts of Madrid.

"I have informed the Head of State that I have decided to continue with even more strength, if possible, as prime minister," Sanchez said.

Sanchez announced last Wednesday that he was cancelling his public duties until this week to "reflect" on whether to remain in his position, after a Spanish court said it had opened a probe against his wife for reported influence trafficking.

The accusation against Begona Gomez came from a far-right wing pressure group "Manos Limpios" which subsequently admitted that the reports of its accusation may not be true.

According to the Madrid Government delegate, an estimated 80,000 people showed their support for Sanchez outside the headquarters of his Spanish Socialist Party in Madrid on Saturday, while thousands more marched to the Spanish Congress building to show their backing on Saturday.

Sanchez said the "social mobilization" had "influenced" him, adding that "if as a society, we accept that political action allows indiscriminate attacks on innocent people, then it is not worthwhile."

He apologized for the "uncertainty" his letter might have caused, but insisted that it was not "a political decision" and that at times it was necessary to "reflect and decide where we are going."

"We either say 'enough is enough' or this degradation of public life will condemn us as a country," said Sanchez.

Opposition groups, such as the right-wing People's Party (PP) and the extreme right-wing Vox, have accused Sanchez of time-wasting and selfishness over his letter five days ago.

"This is not about ideology: it is respect, dignity and principals that go beyond political opinion ... if we allow lies and hoaxes to direct our political system, ... we will have caused tremendous damage to our democracy," concluded Sanchez.