PSOE spokesperson resigns and gives up being a candidate after controversy

A spokesperson of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), Montse Mínguez, proposed as a candidate for Congress by Lleida, announced today that he decided to take “a step back” and resign, after the controversy generated by the partner’s real estate business.

Sources from the PSOE indicated that Mínguez renounces the position of spokesman, the place in the direction of the party and also his candidacy for early parliamentary elections on 29 November.

The Party of Socialists of Catalonia (PSC) of Lleida had chosen it to lead its list for Congress, and the appointment was to be ratified by the Federal Committee on Saturday.

In a statement published in her Social Network X account, the now former socialist spokesman claims to take this decision “of calm conscience, raised head and integrity intact” to its principles, convinced that it is the best for the “collective project” to which she dedicated her efforts and her best energies.

After the disclosure of information about the partner’s business, Montse Mínguez received the support of the Spanish Prime Minister and leader of the PSOE, Pedro Sánchez, who, even on Thursday in Brussels, responded with a “sure” when asked about whether he maintained support for the party spokesperson.

In his statement, Mínguez points out that at a “ crucial moment” for Spain — when the far right knocks on the door and intends to question social advances that took years to build — “the responsibility must be above any personal consideration”.

It also appreciates the trust, support and affection received throughout this period.

In another statement, the PSOE praised his “impeccable career as a socialist” and thanked him for his “dedication and commitment”, “the passion with which he defended socialist values” in all his public interventions and “his coherence” by voting in accordance with his principles.

This is a personal decision, taken after the direction of the PSOE publicly expressed support to him after he became the object of criticism by the opposition, following the publication by the daily El Español of various information about his partner's business, Sergi Vélez.

According to this newspaper, Vélez owns 30 apartments and two companies in Panama, part of the business conglomerate of his family, which operates in the real estate sector.

From the beginning, she argued that the real estate activity of the companion is in accordance with the housing law, a legality also invoked by members of the Government, such as Minister Óscar López, who argued that Vélez exercised “a lawful activity” and “complys with the law”.

Pedro Sánchez revealed that he asked Montse Mínguez not to resign from his positions, but added to know that she is “distorted” and going through a “very difficult” moment due to the controversy over the alleged real estate business of her partner.

At a press conference following the meeting of the European Summit in Brussels, Sánchez regretted Montse Mínguez’ decision to take “a step back”, but stressed: “From a personal point of view, politics sometimes mistreats good people, and this case is an example.”.