MADRID: Spain's opposition leader has called on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to resign and allow another person to lead the government in the wake of an alleged corruption scandal that has engulfed the ruling Popular Party.
Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said Sunday that serious doubts have been cast on Rajoy's credibility following media allegations that he and other senior members of his party had received under-the-table payments.
On Saturday, Rajoy denied wrongdoing and promised to publicly disclose his personal accounts. However, public disquiet led to impromptu demonstrations in several cities with protesters calling on Rajoy to resign.
Esteban Gonzalez Pons, one of Rajoy's senior political allies, rapidly came to the government's defense, saying that "Spain needs help, not more punishment."