MADRID, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Minister of Culture and Sports Maxim Huerta resigned on Wednesday, only seven days after being appointed minister, due to a tax evasion issue.

Local newspaper El Confidencial unveiled on Wednesday that Huerta had evaded 218,322 euros (257,349 US dollars) from a previous work as a television presenter between 2006 and 2008.

Huerta reportedly used a limited company to invoice his services. Tax authorities said that the expenses declared in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were incompatible with income tax.

But Huerta insisted his innocence, despite his decision to resign.

"I am leaving because I am convinced we need transparency," he said.

"I am innocent and my tax payments are up to date," he argued, adding that he will go on working for culture as the rest of the country's citizens.

Huerta was appointed seven days ago by Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The Socialist leader became prime minister after a successful motion of non-confidence against former prime minister Mariano Rajoy due to a major corruption scandal known as "Gurtel case".