A fresh corruption scandal is swirling around Spain’s Popular Party as it fights to form a coalition government to maintain its hold on power.
Some 10 people, allegedly including the former PP president of the region, have been arrested in the eastern region of Valencia, according to a Guardia Civil source who declined to be named.
The arrests are part of what he said was "a probe into an alleged corruption network involving different public administrations in Valencia," revolving around "getting commissions in exchange for public work (contracts)."
Both the country’s conservative and socialist parties have been rocked by scandals over the years, but have nevertheless managed to survive until the general election in December.
The vote failed to give any party a majority, but the fledgling parties Podemos and Ciudadanos were able to send their very first elected members to Madrid, thanks in part to the frustration and anger of ordinary citizens.
At the end of last week the deputy prime minister announced the resignation of one of her top associates who is alleged to be involved in a corruption scandal at a state-run water company he formerly managed.
That was the same week in which the prime minister suffered the embarrassment of admitting his dairy was “empty” to a prank radio show call.
PM Rajoy (pictured) was tricked into thinking he was talking to the new Catalan president who wanted to set up a meeting.
The call took place during the week King Felipe was holding talks to see if the political impasse resulting from the election outcome could be broken.
“I have a very empty diary and could set something up within 24 to 48 hours," Rajoy told the prankster.
