The National Audience is now acting against those who helped the alleged plot of Leire Díez to influence SEPI operations
The article discusses a new line of investigation into alleged corruption involving former Socialist Party member Leire Díez and her associates, including former SEPI president Vicente Fernández and businessman Antxon Alonso. The case centers on their alleged influence over public contracts and aid to specific companies through SEPI, which they allegedly used to secure commissions. The National Court has now indicted current SEPI president Belén Gualda and 24 others, including businessmen and public officials, for these supposed illegal activities. The investigation is based on reports from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit (UCO), which identified five operations totaling €132.9 million in public funds disbursed, with the alleged scheme reportedly earning around €750,614. One notable operation involves the rescue of Tubos Reunidos, where investigators believe the group began influencing decisions in late 2020 and continued after the financial aid was granted. The UCO estimates that €247,459 was obtained through this operation, with some funds going to Mediaciones Martínez, an enterprise linked to Alonso, and others received by Fernández as an advisor.
The case involving Mercedes González, the Director General of the Guardia Civil, has become one of the most complex and politically charged investigations in recent Spanish history. At its heart lies the alleged involvement of Leire Díez, an ex-military socialist accused of orchestrating efforts to undermine ongoing judicial and police investigations targeting the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and members of the government. The situation escalated dramatically when the judge Santiago Pedraz ordered agents of the Unidad Central Operativa (UCO)—the elite investigative unit within the Guardia Civil—to search the headquarters of the Guardia Civil for documents related to potential collusion between Díez and high-ranking officials. This led to the discovery of three internal disciplinary reports against members of the UCO, which were seen as part of a broader effort to intimidate and silence investigators.
The initial investigation began on May 27, 2025, when UCO agents entered the Guardia Civil’s main office under the orders of Judge Pedraz. They sought detailed records of individuals who had accessed the institution's premises, suspecting that Díez—who was already under scrutiny for allegedly working as a “fontanera” (literally, a plumber, but metaphorically used to describe someone who facilitates backdoor dealings) for the PSOE—had met with González. The search also aimed to uncover administrative files regarding disciplinary actions taken against UCO members since January 1, 2024. While the UCO found the three internal reports, they did not find evidence of Díez entering the main building. However, González later admitted she had met with Díez twice—once over coffee and once over tea—between September 2024 and April 2025, despite earlier claims by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska that such meetings had not occurred.
This admission came after months of mounting pressure from the opposition, particularly the People’s Party (PP), which had been monitoring the case closely. In early July 2025, the PP formally requested that Judge Pedraz include both González and her Deputy Director of Operations, Manuel Llamas, as suspects in the case. Their involvement was based on allegations that they had colluded with Díez and others to obstruct justice by launching internal disciplinary proceedings against UCO members. These proceedings, according to the PP, were not justified and appeared to be designed to intimidate the UCO into ceasing their investigations into corruption linked to the PSOE and the government.
The timeline of the case reveals a pattern of coordinated action. On May 9, 2025, an attorney representing Koldo García—a former advisor to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez—sent a message to Díez about ongoing judicial inquiries, suggesting that she pass it along to González. Díez responded with a comment implying that the leaks originated from the UCO. Two days later, El Mundo published messages between Sánchez and José Luis Ábalos, further fueling suspicions of political interference. By May 11, 2025, the UCO documented two WhatsApp exchanges between González and Díez, which appeared to suggest that the conversation had been deleted and replaced with a new one, possibly to conceal information. That same day, the DAO, Llamas, convened with the head of the JAES (Jefatura de Armas, Explosivos y Seguridad) to order an internal investigation into the supposed leak.
The PP argues that these developments were not isolated incidents but part of a larger strategy to weaken the UCO. According to their analysis, there were four key moments that highlighted this coordination. First, the communication between Díez and González, second, the publication of the WhatsApp messages, third, the deletion of the previous conversation, and fourth, the initiation of the internal investigation. These events coincided with significant progress in the cases affecting the government and the PSOE, leading the PP to accuse the Guardia Civil leadership of attempting to suppress independent investigations.
Mercedes González, a former delegate of the Government in Madrid and a longtime member of the PSOE, became the director general of the Guardia Civil in September 2024. Her appointment followed the resignation of her predecessor, María Gámez, due to a corruption scandal involving her husband. González had previously served in several high-profile roles within the party, including as first secretary of the Madrid branch and as a delegate of the Government. Her return to the Guardia Civil in 2024 sparked controversy among some members of the institution, who questioned whether her political affiliations would interfere with her duties. Despite this, she attempted to build rapport with the ranks of the Guardia Civil, even adopting the green uniform associated with the institution during official appearances.
However, her tenure was marked by growing tensions, especially following the release of internal reports that implicated Díez in a conspiracy to undermine the UCO. These reports suggested that Díez had been working under the direction of Santos Cerdán, a former PSOE organizer, to orchestrate a campaign of intimidation against the UCO. The reports claimed that Díez had used her relationship with González to influence internal disciplinary actions against UCO members, effectively silencing them. The UCO’s findings were presented to Judge Pedraz, who then authorized the formal investigation into the alleged misconduct.
The implications of the case extend beyond the immediate accusations. The PP argues that the actions of González and Llamas could constitute obstruction of justice, as well as abuse of authority. The court will need to determine whether the disciplinary measures were genuinely intended to address wrongdoing or whether they were used as a tool to exert pressure on the UCO. If proven, such conduct could have serious consequences for the integrity of the Guardia Civil and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Leire Díez and her defense team have challenged the validity of the charges against her. They argue that her detention in December 2025 was unjustified and violated her fundamental rights. The defense claims that the investigation into her was based on circumstantial evidence rather than concrete facts, and that the procedures followed lacked proper judicial authorization. They also assert that the seizure of her electronic devices without appropriate justification rendered all subsequent evidence obtained from them inadmissible. This challenge adds another layer of complexity to the case, as it raises questions about the legality of the investigative process itself.
As the case continues to unfold, the political ramifications are likely to be profound. The imputation of high-ranking officials within the Guardia Civil signals a major shift in the balance of power and could lead to calls for reform within the institution. Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation into Díez and her associates may reveal deeper connections between political figures and the administration of justice. With the trial set to proceed, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of both the Guardia Civil and the broader landscape of Spanish politics.
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The UCO discovered a handwritten agenda belonging to León Santos Cerdán, former Secretary General of the PSOE, which contains notes linking him to alleged bribes related to the rescue of Tubos Reunidos. This discovery forms part of the ongoing investigation into the case known as 'Leire,' being handled by the National Court. The agenda suggests that Cerdán may have been aware of the involvement of other individuals in securing authorization for the rescue operation. The investigation has led to 25 new charges, including against Belén Gualda, president of the SEPI. The evidence comes from a search conducted at the PSOE headquarters in Ferraz, where materials were seized from a basement. The UCO considers some invoices related to payments made to those involved as false, suggesting these funds were used to influence the approval of aid for Tubos Reunidos.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information based on the findings of the UCO and the indictment by the Public Prosecutor's Office. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any political side but rather reports on the legal proceedings and evidence uncovered during the investigation. The language remains客观
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): The article provides detailed information from the UCO investigation, citing specific documents and legal references. It remains largely neutral in tone, presenting facts without overt bias or emotional language.
El PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 809 days ago
The Spanish judge Santiago Pedraz has included the president of the State Industrial Participation Society (SEPI), Belén Gualda, and 24 other individuals under investigation in a case involving the alleged mediation of Leire Díez, a figure associated with the PSOE, and the group Hirurok—a WhatsApp chat consisting of Díez, former SEPI president Vicente Fernández, and businessman Antxon Alonso—in the rescue of companies through the state’s industrial arm during the pandemic. The case focuses on potential corruption related to state aid distribution during the pandemic.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about judicial actions and allegations without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the involvement of various political figures and entities without explicit ideological framing, maintaining a balanced tone.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 80): Accurately reports judicial actions against SEPI president and others in the Leire Díez case, aligning with cross-source consensus. Objectively presents facts without overt bias.
elDiario.esIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 758 days ago
The Spanish minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, defended the actions of Mercedes González, head of the Civil Guard, during her testimony before the Senate. He stated that the alleged plot involving former PSOE member Leire Díez was outside the Ministry of the Interior and questioned pressures on the Central Operations Unit (UCO) from within the armed forces. Marlaska denied any pressure on investigators and emphasized that no one under his ministry acted in a manner described in reports. He confirmed that González had met with Díez, who requested rehabilitation for a detained officer, but she refused. Marlaska also mentioned informing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez about a meeting with the UCO after an audio surfaced where Díez allegedly spoke of killing a UCO officer, which Sánchez called 'perfect.'
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the minister's defense of the Civil Guard leadership as a rebuttal to allegations of external influence and internal pressures, using strong language to distance the ministry from wrongdoing. The emphasis on the prime minister’s approval of the UCO's stance suggests alignment with
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article presents the legal reasoning behind the imputation, citing the Fiscalía and the judge. However, it leans into more subjective language regarding 'intimidación institucional' and 'efecto desaliento,' suggesting a potential bias towards the legal interpretation rather than neutrality.
El PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 654 days ago
Forty days ago, agents from the Central Operational Unit (UCO) entered the Directorate General of the Guardia Civil at the order of Judge Santiago Pedraz to search for several documents. They were looking for a detailed list of individuals who had accessed the premises of the armed force, suspecting that former socialist activist Leire Díez—who is now accused of plumbing work for the PSOE and investigated for trying to sabotage judicial cases—had met with the director of the Institute, Mercedes González. The agents also searched for administrative files related to members of the UCO between January 1, 2024, and May 27, 2025. They found three confidential internal investigations that could lead to disciplinary proceedings. According to the report, they did not find any entry by Díez into the main headquarters of the body. However, Mercedes González admitted she had had two coffees (or teas, in her case) with Leire Díez between September 2024 and April 2025, despite the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, initially denying any meetings between them.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the facts neutrally, focusing on the actions taken by the UCO and the responses from involved parties without overtly favoring any side. It includes both the accusations against Leire Díez and the admissions made by Mercedes González, providing a balanced account of the events.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 65): This article provides a detailed reconstruction of the imputation process and aligns closely with the primary source. It mentions the search by UCO agents and the findings, including the three internal investigations. While factual, it leans slightly towards emphasizing the judicial impact over the
infoLibreIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8011 days ago
The article discusses the perceived illegitimacy of the current Spanish government, arguing that it stems from the belief that power should belong to the most voted party rather than those who achieve parliamentary majority. It critiques the influence of certain elites and powers, both within and outside the state, that seek to pressure the legislative branch—the only directly elected body. The piece references past corruption cases, such as the Gürtel scandal, highlighting how different figures are treated depending on their political alignment. It contrasts the harsh treatment of José Luis Peñas, a PP councilor involved in exposing Gürtel, with the leniency shown to Víctor de Aldama, a conservative figure accused of corruption. The article suggests that while specific corruption cases are serious, the more alarming issue is the existence of power structures capable of selectively exposing or hiding corruption based on political interests.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the current government as illegitimate due to not being the most-voted party, criticizes elite power structures, and highlights selective enforcement of corruption laws against left-wing figures while sparing right-wing ones. This framing aligns with leftist critique of systemic,右
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article reports on the resignation of a Tubos Reunidos executive under investigation, citing specific details about the rescue of SEPI and alleged bribes. It remains factual and objective in its reporting.
elDiario.esIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 759 days ago
A Spanish court has decided to charge 25 additional individuals, including the president of the State Public Works Institute (SEPI), María Belén Gualda, in the 'Leire' corruption case. The investigation focuses on alleged illegal practices in public procurement aimed at benefiting specific companies. The charges stem from a request by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which identified a pattern of illicit intermediation between private interests and public decision-makers. Among those implicated are former SEPI president Vicente Fernández, businessman Antxon Alonso, Leire Díez, and former PSOE secretary Santos Cerdán. The accused allegedly coordinated through meetings, phone calls, and secure messaging to achieve common goals and gain economic benefits. The case includes allegations related to the 2021 public rescue of Tubos Reunidos, involving payments made by the steel company to a linked entity associated with the group.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the corruption allegations against public officials and private entities in a manner that emphasizes systemic abuse of power and organized coordination, aligning with progressive critiques of political elites. While the facts are presented neutrally, the focus on institutionalized
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article provides detailed information about the judicial action against the president of SEPI and others, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It mentions specific individuals and entities involved, but uses somewhat emotive language when describing the implications of the corruption allega
elDiario.esIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 707 days ago
The Popular Party (PP) has requested that Judge Pedro Pedraz include the Director General of the Civil Guard, Mercedes González, and her Deputy Operational Director (DAO), Manuel Llamas, as suspects in the case involving Leire Díez. The PP alleges that there was a presumed plot aimed at destabilizing and obstructing ongoing judicial and police investigations targeting the PSOE and members of the government. This alleged conspiracy, supposedly supervised by Santos Cerdán and coordinated by Leire Díez, sought to undermine the Central Operations Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard, particularly focusing on Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas. The PP supports its claims with reports from the UCO, stating that there was a personal and repeated relationship between González and Díez, which continued after González took office on September 17, 2024. They highlight at least three face-to-face meetings and numerous instant messaging contacts, suggesting that Díez used this relationship to push administrative actions within the Civil Guard against the UCO.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the allegations against the Civil Guard leadership as part of a broader political conspiracy orchestrated by left-wing figures. It emphasizes the involvement of high-ranking officials and uses terms like 'trama' (conspiracy) and 'desestabilizar' (destabilize) to suggest a systemic
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports the PP's request for the imputation of the Guardia Civil director and DAO based on the primary source. It includes details from the UCO reports and mentions the three meetings. However, it lacks balance by focusing primarily on the PP's stance and does not mention the
PúblicoIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7012 days ago
The former head of the UCO (National Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office) has confirmed before Judge Pedraz that the DAO (Office of the Attorney General) requested to 'stay low-profile' in political cases. This statement comes amid ongoing investigations into potential misconduct within Spain's judicial system. The UCO had been involved in high-profile corruption cases, and this revelation could indicate internal pressures or conflicts of interest. The confirmation adds weight to previous allegations regarding the handling of politically sensitive cases by the DAO.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report based on a court testimony without overtly favoring any side. It does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content focuses on confirming a statement made during legal proceedings, which inherently requires neutrality.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports on the ex-head of the UCO confirming that the DAO requested to 'stand aside' in politically sensitive cases, aligning with the primary source. However, it presents this information from a partisan perspective, suggesting potential bias.
El PaísIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 80Objective 755 days ago
The article discusses a situation involving internal investigations within the Spanish National Police (Guardia Civil), where they are reportedly investigating their own members. This has led to tensions between the ruling party and the institutions it oversees. The piece uses a metaphor comparing Leire Díez to Inspector Gadget, suggesting she is using various tools—such as agendas, notes, meetings, and threats—to counteract state actions. The tone implies a sense of intrigue and conflict within the police force and the government.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation with critical language towards the ruling party and suggests internal corruption or dysfunction within the Guardia Civil, which is typically aligned with the government. The comparison to 'Inspector Gadget' and the portrayal of Leire Díez as someone actively working'
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 75): This article offers background on Mercedes González, aligning with the primary source regarding her role and tenure. It maintains a neutral tone but has some political undertones when discussing her political alignment with Sánchez. Overall, it is factually sound and relatively objective.
El ConfidencialIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 759 days ago
The UCO (National Anti-Corruption Unit) discovered notes at the headquarters of Spain's socialist party (PSOE) regarding the rescue of Tubos Reunidos by SEPI, a state-owned enterprise. The documents suggest potential involvement of PSOE members in the financial operations surrounding the rescue of the steelmaker Tubos Reunidos. This discovery could indicate possible ties between the party and the business dealings of SEPI, raising questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The findings may lead to further investigations into whether political actors had prior knowledge or influence over these transactions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the discovery made by the UCO without overtly favoring any political side. It does not include explicit commentary or biased language that would indicate a clear ideological leaning. The focus is on the procedural finding rather than on assigning blame or exo
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 75): This piece discusses the legal aspects of the case involving Tubos Reunidos and references the UCO report. It maintains a factual tone but includes some speculative commentary on the motives behind the decisions.
El MundoIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 80Objective 609 days ago
The Spanish court has indicted 25 individuals, including Belén Gualda, the current president of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (Sepi), in a corruption investigation involving former Sepi president Vicente Fernández and the alleged 'fontanera' Leire Díez. The case centers around the rescue of Tubos Reunidos by 113 million euros, with documents showing that Gualda allegedly committed to approving the request. Other implicated figures include businessman Francisco Vicente Irazusta, former Sepi president José Vicente Berlanga Arona, and others linked to various operations involving public assets and commissions. The investigation includes multiple cases involving different companies and officials, with some suspects being connected through a group known as Hirurok.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the investigation as a corruption case targeting high-profile political figures and business leaders, emphasizing their alleged collusion and financial gains. While it presents factual information about the legal proceedings, the focus on political actors and the implication of a左
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 60): Uses highly symbolic and emotive language referencing civil war imagery, which compromises objectivity. Factually aligned with other reports on EH Bildu's strategy.
infoLibreIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 659 days ago
Spanish judge Santiago Pedraz has indicted 25 individuals, including Belén Gualda, president of the State Participation Industrial Society (SEPI), in a case involving alleged attempts to influence judicial processes and public aid decisions. The investigation centers on a group called Hirurok, which allegedly coordinated efforts to secure public funding for Tubos Reunidos, a company that received 112.9 million euros in loans. The group reportedly received 114,950 euros through a company named Mediaciones Martínez for market research services, though these payments were deemed fraudulent by the National Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (UCO). The indictment now extends beyond the initial 112.9 million euro loan, implicating other companies and individuals. Leire Díez, referred to as 'la bocazas' (the chatterbox), is highlighted as having created legal issues for the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal proceedings and allegations against multiple individuals across different sectors and positions, without overtly favoring any particular political ideology. It reports on the actions of various entities and individuals, including those from the PS
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 65): The article focuses on a separate legal case involving a different association and the use of the term 'corrupto'. It has less relevance to the main corruption case but still maintains a fair balance between the parties involved.
El PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 70Objective 554 days ago
The Spanish government faces a significant challenge as public discourse has shifted away from traditional political and economic issues. Normally dominant topics such as economic data, Council of Ministers decisions, legislative approvals, and evaluations of public policies are taking a backseat to judicial matters. This week marked a new development with the indictment of Mercedes González, the director general of the Guardia Civil, highlighting the growing prominence of legal affairs in the national conversation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, noting the shift in public focus from typical political-economic issues to judicial matters without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the indictment of a high-ranking official but does not frame the event with clear ideological bias.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 55): The article uses hyperbolic language and metaphor ('gadgetobrazos') which may be subjective. It focuses more on the sensational aspect of the investigation rather than providing balanced reporting. The objectivity score is lower due to the emotive tone.
elDiario.esIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 5510 days ago
Santos Cerdán, former Organization Secretary of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), has opposed the National Court's decision to consolidate two ongoing investigations against former socialist militant Leire Díez. He argues that these cases should remain under the jurisdiction of Madrid's Plaza de Castilla court, where they initially began. The defense of Cerdán, who is being investigated by the National Court, filed a motion opposing Judge Santiago Pedraz’s request for another judge, Arturo Zamarriego, to transfer the second case involving Díez, businessman Javier Pérez Dolset, and journalist Pere Rusiñol. Cerdán claims that all alleged actions were committed within the Community of Madrid and relate to public institutions located there, making the National Court's jurisdiction inappropriate. He further distinguishes between the two cases, stating that one involves isolated political and communication management issues, while the other concerns economic matters dating back to 2021.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal arguments made by Cerdán and his defense without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the legal dispute over jurisdiction without taking a stance on the merits of the claims or the validity of the legal reasoning. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the law
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 55): The article covers a different legal dispute regarding jurisdiction over Leire Díez's case rather than the primary source's focus on requesting charges against the Guardia Civil director and DAO. It provides some factual context but diverges significantly from the main event described in the primary
El PaísIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 60Objective 505 days ago
The article discusses Mercedes González, who served as the head of the Spanish National Police (Guardia Civil) and later became a member of Congress. She was appointed in March 2023 after her predecessor resigned due to her husband’s legal issues. Her tenure was marked by controversy, especially regarding her decision to leave the role to run for office in the 2023 general election, which caused unease within the institution. She returned to the position in September 2024 but faced new challenges, including internal investigations into alleged corruption involving members of her political party. During her second term, she attempted to improve relations with police personnel and addressed ongoing concerns related to drug trafficking and officer safety. The article notes that shortly after her return, internal documents linked former party members to potential interference in police investigations.
Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes González’s political loyalty to Pedro Sánchez, frames her actions in the context of her political career, and highlights controversies involving figures associated with his party. It presents her return to the Guardia Civil as a continuation of her political alignment rather a
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 50): The article discusses broader issues of judicial politics and lawfare, which are not directly covered in the primary source. It presents a critical view of judicial actions and their political implications, showing bias and less adherence to the primary source.
El MundoIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 60Objective 506 days ago
The article discusses the legal proceedings against Mercedes González, Director General of the Guardia Civil, and Manuel Llamas, her deputy operational director, who have been indicted for abuse of disciplinary power and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from allegations that they used confidential information disclosures against members of the Unidad Central Operativa (UCO), a specialized unit within the Guardia Civil focused on corruption investigations. These actions are suspected to have created an intimidating effect aimed at discouraging further investigative work into corruption cases involving the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the family of President Pedro Sánchez. The case involves a broader investigation into plans by former PSOE member Leire Díez to pressure the UCO through internal investigations, allegedly orchestrated under the guidance of Santos Cerdán, a former PSOE secretary. The court is examining whether these actions were intended to intimidate institutional actors and hinder their ability to conduct police judicial functions.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the actions of the Guardia Civil leadership as part of a broader pattern of institutional intimidation aimed at suppressing corruption investigations, particularly those targeting the PSOE and its associates. This framing aligns with a left-leaning perspective that emphasizes the矛
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 50): This article diverges significantly from the primary source, focusing on unrelated topics such as Pedro Sánchez and Begoña Gómez. It lacks factual alignment with the main case and shows clear bias against political figures.
El MundoIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 50Objective 457 days ago
The Spanish conservative party, the People's Party (PP), has requested the indictment of Mercedes González, the head of the Civil Guard, along with former director Leonardo Marcos and Director Adjunct Operational (DAO) Manuel Llamas, over their alleged collaboration with 'the sewers of the PSOE'—a term used to describe corrupt elements within the ruling Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The PP claims that González met three times with Leire Díez, a high-ranking PSOE official known for having control over the Civil Guard, and that Marcos and Llamas ordered subordinates to avoid being proactive in cases involving political implications, such as the case of the president’s brother. This follows revelations by the National Anti-Corruption Unit (UCO) that González and Díez communicated via WhatsApp shortly after the publication of messages between Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos. The PP has submitted this request to the National Court, which has accepted the summons of prosecutors Diego Villafañe and Beatriz López Pesquera, who were also allegedly involved with PSOE corruption networks.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the actions of the PSOE and its allies as corrupt and politically motivated, using strong language like 'cloacas' (sewers) to imply deep-seated corruption. It emphasizes the PP's accusations against the PSOE-aligned figures within the Civil Guard, suggesting a deliberate attemptto
Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 45): This article diverges significantly from the primary source, discussing unrelated topics such as Junts and Sánchez's political strategy. It lacks relevance to the main event and shows poor factual accuracy and objectivity.
infoLibreIndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 407 days ago
Judge Santiago Pedraz of the National Court has charged the director general of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, and the DAO (Director of Operations) of the force, Manuel Llamas, in the 'Leire case.' They are accused of abuse of power and obstruction of justice related to alleged maneuvers by former socialist militant Leire Díez to investigate the UCO (National Anti-Corruption Unit) for possible leaks in cases involving the government and supposed pressures on agents investigating her. The charges stem from actions linked to Leire Díez's efforts to probe potential corruption within the UCO.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal proceedings against high-ranking officials in the Guardia Civil, focusing on the charges brought by the court. It does not exhibit clear bias through loaded language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing remains neutral, simply
Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 40): This article is incomplete and focuses on an unrelated question about Pedro Sánchez’s desire for another term. It fails to provide relevant information about the case and appears to be a placeholder or error.
El PaísIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 50Objective 3010 days ago
The article discusses Santos Cerdán, a former member of Spain's Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), who is challenging the jurisdiction of the National Court (Audiencia Nacional) in the case involving 'cloacas,' which refers to alleged corruption or illegal activities. Cerdán denies any involvement in efforts to destabilize judicial cases against members of the government or President Pedro Sánchez's circle. He argues that the case should be handled by the Criminal Chamber (Sala de lo Penal) rather than the National Court, claiming that he was not initially mentioned in the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalía Anticorrupción) report and that there is pressure to reinterpret jurisdictional responsibilities to keep the case out of the initial court. The article highlights the legal dispute over who has authority to investigate the case, which also involves Leire Díez, a former socialist militant.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the legal challenge as a defense against potential political interference, suggesting that the case is being manipulated to avoid scrutiny of high-profile figures. The emphasis on Cerdán's denial of involvement and his argument that the case is being forced into a specific legal轨道
Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 30): This article discusses a completely unrelated topic (the case of 'las cloacas') and does not relate to the primary source document. It lacks factual connection to the main event and shows bias against the PSOE.
El PaísIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 30Objective 209 days ago
The article discusses a new line of investigation into alleged corruption involving former Socialist Party member Leire Díez and her associates, including former SEPI president Vicente Fernández and businessman Antxon Alonso. The case centers on their alleged influence over public contracts and aid to specific companies through SEPI, which they allegedly used to secure commissions. The National Court has now indicted current SEPI president Belén Gualda and 24 others, including businessmen and public officials, for these supposed illegal activities. The investigation is based on reports from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit (UCO), which identified five operations totaling €132.9 million in public funds disbursed, with the alleged scheme reportedly earning around €750,614. One notable operation involves the rescue of Tubos Reunidos, where investigators believe the group began influencing decisions in late 2020 and continued after the financial aid was granted. The UCO estimates that €247,459 was obtained through this operation, with some funds going to Mediaciones Martínez, an enterprise linked to Alonso, and others received by Fernández as an advisor.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the investigation as targeting individuals associated with the Socialist Party (PSOE) and highlights the involvement of high-profile figures like Belén Gualda, who is currently leading SEPI. While the legal proceedings are presented factually, the emphasis on the connections to PS
Why these scores (Factual 30 · Objective 20): This article is off-topic and focuses on political commentary rather than the corruption investigation. It lacks factual alignment with the primary source and shows strong ideological bias.
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