Spain's electoral board opens proceedings against PM Sanchez

MADRID, Oct 15 - Spain's Central Electoral Board (JEC) opened disciplinary proceedings against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday over an October 6 press conference after a cabinet meeting to announce new housing legislation, parliament's press office said.• JEC asked for the removal of the statements from institutional channels and required PM to refrain from similar actions during the campaign period• The case stems from a complaint by the opposition People's Party (PP), which argued Sanchez used government facilities to deliver campaign-style messages• The proceedings come after Sanchez called a snap election for November 29 after housing decrees failed in parliament• The scrutiny raises questions over institutional neutrality during the campaign — an issue that can fuel political attacks even when cases end only in administrative sanctions• Complaints often focus on whether incumbents used public office, resources or official events for campaign messaging after an election was called• In January 2020, JEC fined Sanchez €500 ($560) over a TV interview published on the government website• In October 2023, it fined Sanchez €2,200 over a Brussels press conference during the July 23 campaign; saying he had praised government achievements and criticised opponents• Carlos Fernández Carriedo, a PP regional government spokesperson, was also fined €2,200 in 2023 by JEC over comments made during a post-cabinet press conference REUTERS