Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Saturday denied allegations that he received undeclared payments from his ruling party as he fought off a major corruption scandal in the face of angry street protests.
Rajoy vowed not to resign despite the publication of documents purportedly showing secret payments to him and other top party officials, branding the damaging reports "harassment".
He promised to publish full details of his income and assets, speaking at an emergency meeting of his conservative Popular Party as angry demonstrators outside called for him to step down.
"I have never received nor distributed undeclared money," he said, adding that he would publish online his "statements of income, patrimony and any information necessary" to refute the allegations.
"I commit myself personally and all of my party to maximum transparency," he said.
Rajoy, 57, was speaking out for the first time since being named in the scandal which struck at a tense time as the government imposes tough spending cuts on Spaniards in a recession.
His speech did nothing to calm street protests, which erupted for a third day running near the party's headquarters in Madrid.
Hundreds of people rallied behind police barricades there during and after his address, yelling for him and other party leaders to resign.
"They are thieves and liars," said one demonstrator, Azahara Montes, 31.
"They are imposing tax rises on us while they live like kings. Rajoy can't deny anything. I believe there is proof and it will keep coming out."
Leading centre-left newspaper El Pais on Thursday published account ledgers purportedly showing that donations were channelled into secret payments to Rajoy and other top party officials.
The newspaper said the alleged fund was made up of donations, mostly from construction companies.
The allegations -- following numerous corruption cases implicating lower-ranking local politicians -- fuelled anger among Spaniards suffering in an economic crisis that has thrown millions out of work.
Protesters say ordinary Spaniards are being made to pay for the fallout from the collapse of a construction boom that many blame on corrupt politicians and unscrupulous banks.
An online petition at change.org calling for Rajoy to resign, launched on Thursday, had gathered more than 700,000 signatures by Saturday evening.
"We must not allow Spaniards, of whom we are demanding sacrifices, to think that we do not observe the strictest ethical rigour," Rajoy said.
On Thursday El Pais cited ledgers kept by former party treasurer Luis Barcenas, apparently showing payments including 25,200 euros ($34,000) a year to Rajoy between 1997 and 2008.
Barcenas was already under investigation in connection with a separate corruption case, with reports that he had millions of euros in a Swiss bank account.
Rajoy said that case had nothing to do with the party and that it had never had foreign bank accounts.
"I did not enter politics to make money," he said, adding that he made more money in his previous profession as a land registrar. "For me, money is not the most important thing in life."
Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria insisted on Friday that Rajoy's government was not destabilised by the party scandal.
But she said that "undoubtedly, the institutions of Spain need to be strengthened," with numerous corruption cases pending.
Even the royal family has been hit by scandal, with King Juan Carlos's son-in-law Inaki Urdangarin being investigated for suspected embezzlement.
AFP
Sat Feb 02 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.