Sanchez Government Rocked as Secret Files Reveal Interior Ministry Political Profiling of Spanish Journalists

The Spanish Interior Ministry has found itself in hot water after a confidential document surfaced, categorizing 280 journalists, commentators, and media figures based on their perceived political leanings and attitudes towards Pedro Sánchez's government. The 54-page dossier, revealed by El Confidencial, was compiled in February 2024 by the ministry's Communications Office.

It includes 281 profiles of professionals working across major Spanish media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, and television networks. The document also lists individuals like former transport minister José Luis Ábalos, PSOE president Cristina Narbona, and Socialist figures Eduardo Madina and Juan Lobato. Each profile contains a photograph, career details, and information about the media outlets and programs they are associated with.

Many profiles also include assessments of the individual's political ideology and position towards the government, with descriptions like "supports the government," "aligned with right-wing positions," and "defends PSOE policies." The dossier, titled "Tertulianos: Radio y Televisión — Panellists: Radio and Television," was created during a turbulent period for the Sánchez administration, which was dealing with allegations involving the prime minister's wife and Sánchez's temporary withdrawal from public duties.

The document's creation and confidential treatment for over two years have raised questions about the necessity of classifying journalists by political ideology and the reasons behind its secrecy. The ministry has denied any intent to blacklist journalists or influence their access to information and has distanced Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska from the dossier, stating he neither commissioned nor received it.

However, the disclosure has sparked serious concerns about the government's decision to record the perceived political leanings of hundreds of media professionals.