Spanish PM apologizes after top official resigns in corruption scandal
Official Resigns
Spain's Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, has expressed his regret over the resignation of his Deputy Prime Minister, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega. She stepped down on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, after being implicated in a scandal involving the awarding of lucrative public contracts. Many high-profile figures have been accused of corruption as part of the Operation Tandem investigation. Ms. Fernandez de la Vega is the first senior politician to resign as a result of the probe.
PM's Statement
Mr. Zapatero expressed his "sadness for the departure of Maria Teresa Fernandez," and praised her contributions to the government, particularly in the areas of social affairs and equality. He also thanked her for her tireless work in representing Spain abroad as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Going forward, he confirmed that Pedro Solbes, the Economy Minister, would take over Ms. Fernandez de la Vega's portfolio.
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