The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has announced plans to file a formal complaint with Spain’s Public Prosecutor's Office against the board of directors of Planifica Madrid, the public company responsible for managing real estate transactions for the Community of Madrid. The move comes amid growing controversy over the purchase of a luxury apartment in the Chamberí district last April, which has sparked accusations of corruption and misuse of public funds. According to reports, the PSOE’s leader in Madrid, Minister Óscar López, revealed this decision during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Ferraz. He accused the administration of engaging in “prevarication” and “embezzlement,” calling the situation a “colossal farce.” The scandal centers around the acquisition of a 485-square-meter penthouse for approximately 6.3 million euros. Initially, officials claimed the property was intended for meetings and would later be sold to fund disaster relief efforts following wildfires in the Sierra Oeste region. However, the PSOE has criticized these explanations as disingenuous, arguing that the true motive behind the purchase was to provide a personal residence for President Isabel Díaz Ayuso. López expressed outrage over the apparent prioritization of political convenience over public interest, stating that the government had decided that citizens must pay for the president’s “luxury apartment.” He further called for Ayuso’s resignation and demanded that all legal responsibilities be fully investigated. In response to mounting pressure, the head of the Government of Madrid, Miguel Ángel García Martín, addressed journalists on Thursday, defending the administration’s actions. He accused left-wing and radical-left groups of fabricating scandals and suggested that the lack of official housing for the president was a reason for the purchase. His remarks were met with sharp criticism from the PSOE, which dismissed them as an attempt to deflect blame. López described García Martín’s comments as an excuse, noting that the president could have obtained an official residence through proper channels. The PSOE has also requested access to key documents related to the transaction, including the deposit agreement and other records currently inaccessible via the Transparency portal. Despite Planifica Madrid being a publicly owned entity under the Ministry of Presidency, the party claims that crucial information remains hidden. López emphasized that the current leadership appears to operate above the law, forcing citizens to subsidize the president’s lifestyle. He warned that individuals who facilitated the operation would eventually regret their involvement. Meanwhile, the PSOE has faced a steady decline in membership since Pedro Sánchez became prime minister in 2018. As of 2025, the party’s ranks have dropped by nearly 23,388 members, bringing its total to approximately 147,648. This represents a reduction of roughly 10 members per day over the past seven years. While the party does not officially disclose how many of its supporters also hold membership cards, internal data shows a consistent downward trend. The loss of members coincides with increased scrutiny of the party, particularly due to ongoing corruption cases involving both the party and figures close to Sánchez. Financial contributions from members have also declined, with the PSOE receiving less than before despite maintaining a six-euro monthly fee. Although the drop in revenue is not directly linked to the number of members, the party has introduced flexible payment options to accommodate changing circumstances. In 2025, the party earned 9.555 million euros from member dues, accounting for 36.7% of its private funding, which totaled 26 million euros. Other income sources include public office contributions, lottery sales, rental income, and donations. The recent controversy surrounding the luxury apartment purchase has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability within the government. With the PSOE preparing to take legal action, the situation is likely to escalate, potentially leading to further investigations into the conduct of officials involved. The outcome will depend on whether authorities can uncover evidence supporting the allegations of misconduct and whether the administration responds effectively to the growing public backlash.
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