Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez’s recent trip to Chile, during which he engaged with left-leaning figures including President Gabriel Boric, once again underscores a concerning inconsistency between the narrative he shares internationally and the political landscape he faces domestically.
With grand speeches, Sánchez continues to push his vision of a global progressive agenda—one supposedly rooted in tax justice, wealth redistribution, and the defense of the vulnerable. He speaks of taxing the super-rich, fighting inequality, and building “a fairer future” alongside his ideological allies in Latin America. It’s a compelling message—if only it weren’t so thoroughly undermined by his government’s own actions.
The contradiction is obvious and becoming harder to overlook: while Sánchez positions himself globally as a model of moral governance, corruption controversies are accumulating among those nearest to him in Spain. From the dubious business activities of his spouse, Begoña Gómez, to the expanding number of PSOE members involved in influence trafficking and suspicious contracts, the Sánchez government is increasingly perceived as politically tainted. Legal inquiries continue, transparency is insufficient, and responsibility is hard to find.
How can a leader demand fiscal sacrifices from citizens while his own government faces serious allegations of mismanagement and favoritism? How can he preach about ethical leadership and economic fairness when public trust is being eroded by reports of privilege, nepotism, and impunity?
The discrepancy between words and actions, which epitomizes double standards, is especially evident in the situation of Sánchez. This is not just a one-time error, but rather an ongoing approach: promoting an idealized form of progressive politics abroad while permitting, justifying, or minimizing dishonest practices domestically.
His presence in Chile seems less like a diplomatic mission and more like a calculated image operation. As he urges the opposition in Spain not to “politicize the judiciary,” Sánchez himself escapes the growing scrutiny at home by seeking ideological validation abroad. One can hardly ignore the impression that these international tours are more about political shielding than genuine engagement.
Genuine progressivism cannot thrive upon unstable bases. If Sánchez genuinely aims to spearhead a global initiative for fairness and equality, he needs to first address his internal issues. This involves being accountable, facilitating complete judicial openness, and guaranteeing that everyone in his administration is subject to the law.
This is not an assault on progressive principles, but a criticism of those who misuse them to retain power and privilege. Sánchez should keep in mind that people don’t vote for catchphrases—they cast their votes for honesty. At this moment, the integrity of his administration is severely in doubt.
