Leaked PSOE WhatsApp audio reveals plot to undermine Spain’s judiciary, says prosecutor

One outlet released a WhatsApp recording from a secret PSOE group that was set up in August 2024, shortly after separate judicial inquiries into Begoña Gómez and the prime minister’s brother began. Participants such as party aide Leire Díez, entrepreneur Javier Pérez Dolset and former judge Luis José Sáenz de Tejada discuss “tropelías” against the courts and claim judges feel protected by the Consejo General del Poder Judicial.

Sáenz de Tejada’s remarks suggest a belief that senior officials are shielding the judiciary and that a “blow” may be needed. The conversation also mentions the media outlet El Confidencial and calls for a new system or repairs to the existing one. Prosecutor Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional’s Central Instruction Court No. 5 is overseeing a large-scale corruption case that probes alleged schemes to destabilise judicial processes affecting the PSOE or the Sánchez administration.