MULLINS IT OVER: Spain’s political scandals make Westminster’s sleaze look like small change, writes Charlie Mullins |
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MULLINS IT OVER: Spain’s political scandals make Westminster’s sleaze look like small change, writes Charlie Mullins
WHAT is it with Spanish politicians?It’s as if corruption and dodgy deals are a kind of parliamentary sport – and getting into power has less to do with running the country than with lining the pockets of your increasingly pricey suits.
Or so it seems when you hear the latest allegations flying around.
Last week, opposition MPs were calling socialist PM Pedro Sanchez and his wife, Begoña, a pair of pimps, living off the immoral earnings of a chain of brothels and gay saunas once owned by the First Lady’s late father. A great yarn that had everyone sniggering – except, presumably, poor old Pedro and the missus.
I thought that was a belter unlikely to be topped anytime soon… until I delved into Spain’s back catalogue of scandals. There was the ERE swindle from the early 2000s, when senior officials trousered €680 million meant for redundant workers. And the Gürtel bribery scandal, with so much cash changing hands in brown envelopes that even Terry Venables would have blushed.
But nothing quite prepares you for the latest alleged heist – billions siphoned from the public........