Paqui Muñoz Invokes Spousal Privilege to Avoid Testifying in Senate Corruption Probe
Francisca 'Paqui' Muñoz, wife of former PSOE Secretary of Organization Santos Cerdán, appeared before the Spanish Senate's investigative commission regarding alleged corruption involving the Servinabar company. Muñoz invoked her legal right to refuse testimony due to her husband's ongoing investigation status. Throughout the session, she remained disengaged, frequently using her mobile phone and requesting early departure due to health reasons, which was denied. Senators, including María Mar Caballero and Ana Beltrán from the Popular Party (PP), pressed her on financial irregularities, including invoices for rural houses, hotels, and a Madrid penthouse allegedly paid for by Servinabar. Tensions escalated when Senator Beltrán labeled Muñoz a 'coward' for her refusal to engage, later withdrawing the term but criticizing her use of the phone as a shield. The hearing highlighted growing political friction and suspicions surrounding the PSOE leadership, with the opposition leveraging the commission to challenge the government. The event underscored the intense political polarization in Spain, characterized by mutual accusations and procedural confrontations within the Upper House.
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Paqui Muñoz Invokes Spousal Privilege to Avoid Testifying in Senate Corruption Probe
Francisca 'Paqui' Muñoz, wife of former PSOE Secretary of Organization Santos Cerdán, appeared before the Spanish Senate's investigative commission regarding alleged corruption involving the Servinabar company. Muñoz invoked her legal right to refuse testimony due to her husband's ongoing investigation status. Throughout the session, she remained disengaged, frequently using her mobile phone and requesting early departure due to health reasons, which was denied. Senators, including María Mar Caballero and Ana Beltrán from the Popular Party (PP), pressed her on financial irregularities, including invoices for rural houses, hotels, and a Madrid penthouse allegedly paid for by Servinabar. Tensions escalated when Senator Beltrán labeled Muñoz a 'coward' for her refusal to engage, later withdrawing the term but criticizing her use of the phone as a shield. The hearing highlighted growing political friction and suspicions surrounding the PSOE leadership, with the opposition leveraging the commission to challenge the government. The event underscored the intense political polarization in Spain, characterized by mutual accusations and procedural confrontations within the Upper House.
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