MADRID, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Spain’s Socialist Party PSOE apologised on Friday for “communication failures” in handling sexual harassment complaints, as mounting allegations threaten the credibility of a ‍party that has long championed women’s rights.

The party, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is under fire from unions, the opposition and its own coalition partners over accusations that it created an internal platform for women to report harassment or abuse after a ‌case emerged in July — but then failed ‌to act on complaints submitted through it.

PSOE secretary Rebeca Torro told reporters on Friday that stronger support mechanisms would be implemented, but denied the party sought to suppress accusations. “If we say we are feminists, we mean it. PSOE defends women’s rights,” she said.

See Full Page