Spanish industry minister Soria resigns over Panama leaks

[MADRID] Spanish Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria resigned Friday after his conflicting explanations inflamed a scandal over links to an offshore company listed in the Panama leaks.

Mr Soria came under scrutiny this week over his involvement in UK Lines, an offshore firm set up by the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. He first denied any involvement with the firm, arguing his name appeared on the list by mistake, then backtracked as new revelations showed he was involved in a similarly named company registered in the UK.

Calls for his resignation intensified after El Mundo newspaper released a document from the Jersey-based company on Thursday carrying Mr Soria's signature.

BLOOMBERG