On Tuesday, the Spanish Government unveiled the draft of the Organic Law of Public Integrity, which encompasses a significant portion of the measures outlined in its national anti-corruption plan. This initiative is a response to a scandal from last July involving two former secretaries of the PSOE, José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdán, who are currently under legal scrutiny for corruption charges. The proposed law does not only aim to tighten regulations but also requires amendments to 18 other laws, including six organic laws that necessitate an absolute majority in Congress for approval.

The plan highlights the Government's commitment to combating corruption and restoring public trust by implementing stricter measures that connect prison benefits to the restitution of illegally obtained financial gains. This connection aims to ensure that those convicted of corruption cannot enjoy leniencies like reduced sentences or other prison benefits unless they return the misappropriated funds. The incorporation of EU directives and longstanding claims from the Council of Europe further emphasizes the plan's significance on an international legal framework for integrity.

However, the pathway to approval is fraught with challenges, as it requires a complex parliamentary negotiation due to the breadth of the changes proposed and the diverse political interests involved. This legislative effort represents not just a reaction to past scandals but also a proactive step towards a transparent governance framework in Spain, seeking to mitigate the risks of corruption through structural changes within the legal system.