Spain's electoral board opens proceedings against PM Sanchez

By Mireia Merino ‌and Emma Pinedo

MADRID, ​Oct ​15 (Reuters) - Spain's Central Electoral Board (JEC) opened disciplinary proceedings against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday ‌over an October 6 press conference after a ⁠cabinet meeting to announce new housing legislation, parliament's press office said.

• ‌JEC asked for the ‌removal of the statements from institutional channels and required PM to refrain from similar actions during the campaign ​period

• The case stems from a complaint by the opposition People's Party (PP), which argued Sanchez used government ⁠facilities to deliver campaign-style messages

• The proceedings come after Sanchez called a ​snap election for November 29 after housing decrees failed in parliament

• The scrutiny raises questions ​over institutional neutrality during the campaign — ‌an issue that can fuel political attacks even when cases end only in administrative ⁠sanctions

• Complaints often focus on whether incumbents used public office, resources or official events for campaign messaging after an election ⁠was called

• In January 2020, JEC fined Sanchez €500 ($560) over a TV ​interview published on the government website

• In October 2023, it fined Sanchez €2,200 over a Brussels press conference during the July 23 ‌campaign; saying he had praised government achievements and criticised opponents

• Carlos Fernández Carriedo, a PP ‌regional government spokesperson, was also fined €2,200 in 2023 by ⁠JEC over comments made ‌during a post-cabinet ​press conference

($1 = 0.8925 euros)

(Reporting by Mireia Merino and Emma Pinedo, Editing by Charlie Devereux and Ros ‌Russell)

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