Spain’s leader to announce whether he is resigning

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to announce this morning whether he will resign.

On Wednesday, the Socialist leader announced he was cancelling all official engagements in order to reflect on his future.

He took the decision after a court opened an initial inquiry into his wife over corruption claims.

Mr Sánchez has insisted that the allegations are a harassment campaign orchestrated by right-wing media.

The prime minister will make a public address at 11:00 local time (09:00 GMT).

The accusations against Mr Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez were brought against her by the organisation Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), led by a man linked to the far-right called Miguel Bernad.

However, on Thursday, the Madrid public prosecutor called for the probe to be shelved for lack of evidence, and Manos Limpias also acknowledged that the allegations might be false because they were based on online newspaper stories – one of which has already proven to be false.

In response to Mr Sanchez’s announcement on Wednesday, a series of demonstrations were held around Spain over the weekend, calling for the prime minister to continue in his post.

Socialist supporters travelled by bus from across the country to attend a demonstration of support outside the PSOE (Socialist Party) headquarters in Madrid, chanting “Pedro, don’t give up” and “You are not alone”.

Mr Sánchez is thought to have spent the last five days at home with his family.

The opposition has accused Mr Sánchez – who leads a coalition government – of seeking to mobilise support as part of a political strategy and that he might call a confidence motion to consolidate his position or call elections.

However, there is genuine concern within the Socialist Party that he may step down.