POLITICAL CRISIS. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a file photo from the Spanish government's official website

MADRID, Spain - The leader of Spain's opposition Socialist party called on Sunday, Feburary 3, for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to resign amid a damaging corruption scandal.

"Rajoy should give up his role as the head of government (because) he cannot tackle the very difficult situation confronting Spain," Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba told reporters.

Spain's centre-left newspaper El Pais published account ledgers purportedly showing that donations were channelled into secret payments to Rajoy and other top party officials.

Rajoy said the ledgers were false and has vehemently denied receiving any payments.

The prime minister "cannot lead the country in this delicate time," added Rubalcaba.

"His presence (at the head of the government) is not going to help resolve this political crisis," he said, calling on Rajoy to "leave the presidency and cede his place to another leader."

The scandal has infuriated Spaniards, millions of whom are still struggling to find work in an ongoing recession. - Rappler.com