PM Sánchez Refutes Claims of a Terminal Illness
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly denied false rumors of a terminal illness, which had been circulating for weeks on social media and in a right-wing tabloid. One such publication even ran a story alleging Sánchez was receiving treatment at a public hospital in Madrid. In response, Sánchez stated:
“The far-right has been predicting the end of this government since day one. Now they are also spreading lies about my health.”
Declassified Coup Documents Made Public
In a separate but significant move, the Spanish government has declassified and published 153 previously secret documents related to the attempted military coup of February 23, 1981. This release provides new insight into a pivotal moment in Spain's modern history. The trove of documents includes police and judicial reports, transcripts of officials' conversations, and records of reactions from foreign governments. Public interest was so intense that the government website hosting the files temporarily crashed due to high traffic.
Sánchez further connected the personal attacks to broader political issues, noting that millions live with illnesses thanks to public healthcare services he believes are threatened by opposition policies. He added:
“If your only form of opposition is lies, then we must be doing a very good job.”
These events highlight the dual political and social challenges facing Spain's current government. The situation reflects a climate of heightened political tension and misinformation, where historical memory and democratic values are actively contested. The release of the 1981 coup documents underscores how Spain's past continues to inform its present political battles.