Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s recent visit to Chile, where he met with left-wing leaders such as President Gabriel Boric, once again highlights a troubling contradiction between the narrative he promotes abroad and the political reality back home.
With grand speeches, Sánchez continues to push his vision of a global progressive agenda—one supposedly rooted in tax justice, wealth redistribution, and the defense of the vulnerable. He speaks of taxing the super-rich, fighting inequality, and building “a fairer future” alongside his ideological allies in Latin America. It’s a compelling message—if only it weren’t so thoroughly undermined by his government’s own actions.
The paradox is glaring and increasingly difficult to ignore: while Sánchez parades internationally as a beacon of ethical governance, corruption scandals are mounting within his closest circle in Spain. From the questionable business dealings of his wife, Begoña Gómez, to the growing list of PSOE officials embroiled in influence-peddling and murky contracts, the Sánchez administration is increasingly viewed as politically compromised. Judicial investigations are ongoing, transparency is lacking, and accountability remains elusive.
How can a leader demand fiscal sacrifices from citizens while his own government faces serious allegations of mismanagement and favoritism? How can he preach about ethical leadership and economic fairness when public trust is being eroded by reports of privilege, nepotism, and impunity?
This gap between speech and action—the very definition of double standards—is particularly striking in Sánchez’s case. It’s not an isolated misstep, but rather a sustained strategy: exporting a morally superior version of left-wing politics while tolerating, excusing, or downplaying corruption at home.
His visit to Chile appears less as a diplomatic endeavor and more as a strategic move to enhance his public image. While he advises the opposition in Spain against “politicizing the judiciary,” Sánchez seems to evade the intensifying examination at home by looking for ideological approval internationally. It is difficult to overlook the sensation that these travels abroad are focused more on political self-preservation than on sincere interaction.
Genuine progressivism cannot thrive upon unstable bases. If Sánchez genuinely aims to spearhead a global initiative for fairness and equality, he needs to first address his internal issues. This involves being accountable, facilitating complete judicial openness, and guaranteeing that everyone in his administration is subject to the law.
This is not an attack on left-wing ideals, but a critique of those who exploit them to maintain privilege and power. Sánchez should remember that citizens don’t vote for slogans—they vote for integrity. And right now, his government’s integrity is under serious question.