A Spanish judge has ordered the PSOE of Cantabria to explain payments made to former technical communication advisor Leire Díez [4].

This inquiry is part of a broader investigation into party finances and the legitimacy of payments made to external consultants. The case examines whether these funds were used for genuine professional services or served other purposes within the party's structure.

Records indicate that Díez, a former PSOE militant who worked as a freelance journalist and communication advisor, received payments across two distinct periods between 2015 and 2017 [1]. During the first period, spanning September 2015 to February 2017, she received nearly 33,000 euros [2]. In the second period, from March to September 2017, she received 11,956 euros [3].

In total, the gross amount received by Díez between 2015 and 2017 was 44,859 euros [1]. These payments were characterized as compensation for her role as a journalist, and technical communication advisor for the party [1].

Despite the total sum, a judge has specifically requested that the PSOE clarify a payment of 15,000 euros [4]. The court has granted the party 10 days to provide a response regarding the nature and justification of that specific amount [4].

Legal representatives for the popular accusation have previously asked the court to call the former director of communications for the PSOE to testify [1]. The proceedings aim to determine if the professional relationship between the party and Díez was consistent with the financial disbursements made during her tenure.

“The gross amount received by Díez between 2015 and 2017 was 44,859 euros.”

The judicial focus on specific payments within a larger payroll suggests investigators are looking for irregularities in how the PSOE of Cantabria documented its communication expenses. If the party cannot justify the 15,000 euro payment as a legitimate professional service, it could lead to further allegations of financial mismanagement or improper use of party funds.