Pedro Sánchez is hanging on by his fingernails. Madrid is in turmoil. A corruption scandal involving his wife, Begoña Gómez, has sent shockwaves through the Spanish socialist party. The opposition smells blood. They are calling for his head.
This is a familiar story across Europe. From Berlin to Paris, incumbents are buckling under the weight of scandal. In Germany, Olaf Scholz is fighting off allegations of tax fraud linked to a decade-old banking scheme. In France, Emmanuel Macron's government is dogged by conflicts of interest claims. The continent is in a foul mood.
But look across the English Channel. Britain is stable. The contrast is stark. While Spain's prime minister faces a potential no-confidence vote, Rishi Sunak's government is remarkably scandal-free. Barely a whisper of sleaze. The nadir of the Boris Johnson era feels like a distant memory.
How did this happen? The answer lies in the system. Britain's independent ethics watchdog, the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, has teeth. It can investigate and recommend sanctions. Spain has nothing comparable. Its political culture tolerates a level of cronyism that would be unthinkable in Whitehall.
But don't be complacent. The stability is fragile. The Tories have been in power for 13 years. They are tired. The public is angry about the cost of living. The polls are dire. One scandal could tip them over the edge.
For now, though, Britain is an island of calm in a sea of chaos. Madrid, Paris, Berlin – all are watching with envy. The question is: how long can the calm last?
