Spain's electoral watchdog opens sanction file against Prime Minister Sánchez for alleged campaign use of official platforms

The Junta Electoral Central has opened a sanction dossier against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for repeatedly violating article 50.2 of the electoral law, which demands institutional neutrality in the pre-election phase. The board cites instances where Sánchez used a press conference at the Moncloa Palace after a cabinet meeting and remarks at a European Council gathering to deliver partisan commentary and launch campaign slogans.

It has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the associated recordings and transcripts from official platforms. A later request for a new file was declined, but the board described some of the language as bordering on the limit of acceptability and reiterated the legal duty of political neutrality. Repeated infractions could expose Sánchez to fines between a few hundred and a few thousand euros per violation, alongside formal warnings to cease such conduct throughout the electoral period. The case follows earlier sanctions imposed on Sánchez for similar actions in previous election cycles.