The PSOE has called an urgent meeting to address internal indignation over the handling of sexual harassment complaints against Francisco Salazar, former militant and Moncloa advisor. Two workers accuse him of sexist behaviors, and the complaints were ignored for five months before disappearing from the party's internal channel. The federal leadership insists the procedure continues despite his withdrawal as a member.
The 'Salazar case' scandal has rocked the PSOE, exposing flaws in its anti-harassment protocols. Two Moncloa workers filed anonymous complaints on July 8 and 28, 2024, describing behaviors such as emerging from the bathroom 'half-dressed and not zipping up until close to your face', staging a fellatio in the office, or commenting on 'the nice butt that pair of pants gave you'. These complaints were deleted from the internal channel between late October and early November, which the party attributes to an 'automated system action for personal data protection'.
Francisco Salazar, former Secretary of Analysis and Electoral Action and close to Pedro Sánchez, resigned as a militant last week after eldiario.es inquiries. The federal leadership, via spokeswoman Montse Mínguez, states that 'the loss of affiliate status does not in any case end the procedure' and the Anti-Harassment Commission will draft a report for the Organization Secretariat.
On Wednesday, December 3, Pilar Bernabé, Equality Secretary, called an urgent video conference with federation equality heads and parliamentary spokeswomen. The one-hour meeting highlighted discontent: explanations were demanded, and escalating the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office for possible criminal indications was proposed. Bernabé expressed regret, apologized to the affected, and insisted the complaints did not disappear, committing to an in-person meeting with legal services next week. Several participants, like Andrea Fernández, were interrupted, and a statement was requested but rejected by Ferraz.
Ana Redondo, Equality Minister, called the behaviors 'disgusting and despicable' and urged rigor in selecting organic positions. Bernabé, on Cadena SER, regretted the lack of diligence and emphasized the PSOE's 'inflexibility' with such acts. Following eldiario.es publication, the party contacted the complainants on Tuesday, admitting the complaints for processing after months of inaction. This case worsens the PSOE's wear on its female electorate, key to the 2023 victory (64% support), adding to controversies like Ábalos and anti-abuse bracelets.
