Briefly

SPAIN

Pedro Sanchez to continue as PM

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday he had decided to continue in office, days after abruptly announcing he was considering his future following the launch of a probe against his wife. Sanchez, 52, had surprised foes and allies alike when he said on Wednesday he was taking time off from public duty to consider quitting. He described the investigation of his wife Begona Gomez for influence peddling and business corruption as orchestrated by his opponents. He announced in a televised address he had informed King Felipe VI of his decision to stay on. He had been encouraged to stay by widespread expressions of support over the weekend, Sanchez said.

ITALY

Giorgia Meloni to contest EU polls

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Sunday she would stand in upcoming European Parliament elections, a move apparently calculated to boost her party, although she would be forced to resign immediately. Meloni's Brothers of Italy party came out top in Italy's 2022 general election with 26 percent of the vote. It is polling at similar levels ahead of the European elections from June 6-9. "We want to do in Europe exactly what we did in Italy on Sept 25, 2022 — creating a majority that brings together the forces of the right to finally send the left into opposition, even in Europe!" Meloni told a party event in the Adriatic city of Pescara.

UNITED KINGDOM

Scotland's First Minister Yousaf quits

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf announced his resignation on Monday. Yousaf, leader of the Scottish National Party, has been under pressure since he ended a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party last week. Opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament have tabled two no-confidence votes, one on the first minister and another on the SNP government. Yousaf called for a leadership contest to find his replacement as soon as possible, and will remain first minister until then. According to law, members of the Scottish Parliament will have to back a replacement to the post within 28 days.

Agencies - Xinhua