The head of Spain’s Civil Guard was placed under formal investigation on Thursday for her alleged involvement in a plot to sabotage corruption probes targeting the ruling Socialists – another blow to a fragile government beset by legal woes.
The alleged skulduggery is one of several scandals jeopardising the position of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a global left-wing hero for his clashes with US President Donald Trump and Israel.
Former Socialist activist Leire Díez and disgraced ex-party heavyweight Santos Cerdán are suspected of leading a scheme to influence and destabilise sensitive legal investigations targeting Sanchez and his entourage.
The alleged plot included payments or favours for Civil Guard staff and prosecutors “in exchange for information or acts contrary to the performance of their duties”, or finding compromising material against them.
Investigating judge Santiago Pedraz summoned Civil Guard director general Mercedes González and the police force’s number two, Manuel Llamas, to testify as suspects on July 16, the Audiencia Nacional court said in a statement.
The judge found “evidence of responsibility” in the alleged offences of misconduct in office and obstructing the course of justice, the court said.
González – a former Socialist activist and MP who was appointed director general in 2024 at the government’s proposal – has denied any wrongdoing.
Sánchez took power in 2018 promising to clean up Spanish politics after the main conservative Popular Party was convicted in its own corruption affair.
Yet separate graft affairs have embroiled his wife, brother, former top Socialist officials and ex-prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a totem of the Spanish left and Sanchez’s mentor.
Sánchez has distanced himself from the alleged plot and rejected accusations of “widespread corruption” in his party.
He has rebuffed opposition demands to resign and call early elections, insisting his minority coalition will see out its term until the next scheduled vote in 2027.
