Wave of Resignations Hits Pedro Sánchez’s Government and PSOE Leadership
Three high-profile departures in twenty days intensify political instability before upcoming general elections.
1Recent Ministerial Departures
Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned following a tragic accident in Urda, Toledo, which claimed 69 lives. His departure marks the third high-level exit within twenty days, following the resignations of Madrid government delegate Francisco Martín and PSOE spokesperson Montse Mínguez. These events occur as the administration faces intense scrutiny before the November 29 elections.
2Reasons Behind Recent Exits
Francisco Martín cited unfavorable conditions for his role after being excluded from congressional lists. Conversely, Montse Mínguez resigned to prevent political damage after reports linked her partner to an eviction-heavy real estate firm. These departures reflect a strategic effort by the PSOE to mitigate electoral risks regarding the party's housing policy platform.
3Historical Context of Resignations
The Sánchez administration has seen various departures since 2018, starting with Máximo Huerta, who resigned over tax fraud allegations. Carmen Montón followed in 2018 due to irregularities in her academic credentials. Manuel Castells, a Podemos quota minister, left in 2021 citing health reasons, illustrating the diverse pressures affecting the government's stability over years.
4Internal Party Scandals
In June 2025, Organization Secretary Santos Cerdán resigned following a UCO report detailing alleged commission payments for public works. Former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos was sentenced to 24 years for criminal organization and influence peddling. These cases highlight systemic integrity challenges that have plagued the party leadership throughout the current legislative term.
5Allegations of Misconduct
Francisco Salazar resigned in July 2025 before his official appointment due to sexual harassment and abuse of power accusations. Similarly, José Tomé and Javier Izquierdo faced internal allegations of sexual misconduct in December 2025. These incidents have triggered internal investigations and forced the party to address serious behavioral concerns within its ranks.
6Puente’s Final Statement
During his resignation, Óscar Puente emphasized that not all politicians are identical, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Puente also stepped down as the head of the PSOE list for Valladolid. This move aims to differentiate the current administration from past political controversies while attempting to maintain moral authority during the campaign.
7Comparison with Opposition
The report contrasts Puente’s resignation with the delayed departure of Valencian President Carlos Mazón. Mazón resigned 12 months and four days after the 2024 DANA floods, which resulted in 234 deaths. While Puente stepped down shortly after the Urda tragedy, Mazón retains his seat as a deputy despite the significant delay in his resignation.
8Future Electoral Implications
With the general elections scheduled for November 29, the string of resignations presents a significant challenge for the PSOE. The party must now navigate these internal crises while attempting to focus the public debate on its core policy agenda. The outcome will likely depend on how voters perceive these accountability measures versus the ongoing scandals.