The original order is something to be envied, and no nation should be tainted by the influence of politicians under court scrutiny or by obvious abuses of power. Political cohesion often falters, with the Partido Popular currently directing sharp criticism at La Moncloa’s socialist leadership. Yet the integrity expected from Pedro Sánchez does not appear in the annals of the conservative party or among leaders who have shown unwavering support from their base.
This week invites reflection on Netanyahu’s era. He leads Israel while facing three ongoing corruption investigations, and some argue the judiciary is manipulated to suit party interests. This reality did not dampen the PP’s enthusiasm for Tel Aviv or its vocal stance against anyone who questions the state. At home, the public did not register a contradiction in Nicolas Sarkozy attending an event backing Núñez Feijóo, despite a conviction tied to political activity. This did not prevent the former French president from being hosted at the Élysée by his successor, Emmanuel Macron. Critics of Carles Puigdemont remain unmoved by such inconsistency, suggesting that scrutiny grows when others look.
Railing against others is part of political conflict, but the government does not forgive its allies. Generosity often comes wrapped in denial when the moment passes. There are archival images of President Felipe González in the press, and another invited guest of Sarkozy, Gaddafi, is shown receiving amnesty. Admirers of the Seville politician might excuse posing next to the Libyan dictator, yet it is hard to accept that the crimes occurred only after the Mallorca meeting.
AzAar is seen by supporters as the emblem of a firm leadership, while some note the sharp edge of his stance. The revival of Yasser Arafat’s image prompts memories of a press conference where the then head of government presented a surprising defense of the PLO’s demands and drew the ire of Israeli delegates. The moment slipped by without major scandal; fundamentalists reserved their anger for the reception of the Palestinian leader in Moncloa because of the weapon at his waist.
None of the figures mentioned are treated as more dangerous than Puigdemont; Sánchez’s alleged mistake would be pardoning the world’s greatest offender. History and unlikely alliances remind readers that politicians often have limited maneuvering room. When Sarkozy criticized Feijóo again, aligning with his support for the Spanish candidate, no one accused Feijóo of moral failing. No one portrayed the PP as complicit in French violence. Let there be a wish for clarity and continued browsing.
Even Mandela could not pass the scrutiny Feijóo demanded of others, but not for him or the party under its leadership. There is room to argue that an overseas transfer to a distant ruler cannot be weighed the same as a local amnesty, especially in a country where loyalties are tested by every turn. This line of thought brings back González, historically a central figure in Spanish politics and a rival to Sánchez. He is frequently seen as the socialist politician who accompanies him, with José Barrionuevo at the gates of Guadalajara prison, and not much further. Whether one agrees or not, he faced condemnation in a judicial system viewed as progressive, and the entire process did not align with any Ulramontano frame. Verifying whether a prison visit was part of a constitutional effort to preserve a historical spirit would be challenging.
The discussion then turns toward Amnesty from González’s PSOE to the 23F coup plotters, perhaps more perilous to the state than a European Parliament member like Puigdemont; his sole aim is to win favor from more rebellious officers from the eighties than the independents today. Even more striking is Feijóo’s condemnation of Yolanda Díaz’s photos in Waterloo, yet his willingness to overlook an interview with drug trafficker Marcial Dorado.
Even Mandela could not escape the standard of scrutiny that the PP applies to others. The oldest living leader of recent times will be remembered for a message sent from Moncloa: “Luis, be strong, we will do our best.” In comparison, Bárcenas is a minor issue next to the independence movement, but if the left had produced a similar message, the public might have demanded harsher action.