Sánchez admits errors on Ábalos and Ceuta in TV interview

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appeared on the late-night program La Revuelta on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as part of his pre-election interview tour. Host David Broncano introduced him jokingly as "the president of the Spanish government, for a little while longer," drawing a lighthearted response from Sánchez.

Sánchez defended his legislative record, citing pension increases, the rise of the interprofessional minimum wage, maternity and paternity leave, and the housing decree. He also joked about recent comments calling him a dictator, saying he preferred to say nothing so people would not label him that way.

“Crees conocer a la gente y, de repente, se desvela una cara en algunos colaboradores que te quedas helado.”

Addressing corruption cases involving the PSOE, Sánchez specifically mentioned former minister José Luis Ábalos. He said discovering certain sides of some collaborators left him feeling cold.

On Ceuta, Sánchez admitted without doubt that the situation could have been managed better, while defending the government's actions on what he called a very difficult matter.

Regarding Argentine President Javier Milei, Sánchez called it incredible that Milei had called him a dictator after reducing the minimum wage by 40 percent in Argentina, while Spain had increased it by 66 percent over the last eight years.

Sánchez also discussed former Spanish leaders Felipe González and José María Aznar, saying he joined the PSOE because of González but no longer feels closely identified with his opinions, and describing his relationship with Aznar as distant after an initial show of support following the 2018 no-confidence vote.

The host has invited leading candidates to the program, with Ada Colau confirmed so far. Sánchez expressed his intention to continue governing for four more years despite acknowledging past errors.