Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado ruled on Saturday (7 June) that Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, must surrender her passport and report to court twice a month until a final verdict is reached. Gómez is charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, business corruption, and misappropriation of property.
Gómez has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the case, which stems from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group linked to the far right. The investigation focuses on the creation and management of a position at Complutense University of Madrid that Gómez co-chaired, as well as allegations she used public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.
Prime Minister Sánchez dismissed the accusations against his wife as a right-wing effort to weaken his government. His Socialist Party asserts that Gómez is innocent and a victim of a years-long political smear campaign.
No trial date has yet been set for the politically explosive case. It is one of several corruption investigations involving Sánchez's allies that are approaching trial or have already been brought to court, increasing pressure on the prime minister.
Several close allies, including the Socialist Party's third-ranking figure and Sánchez's former transport minister, are under investigation in separate cases involving alleged bribery in public works contracts, oil and gas deals, and mask procurement during the pandemic. They all deny any wrongdoing.
Separately, Spain's Supreme Court announced it is investigating former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero over allegations he ran a network that profited from lobbying public agencies on behalf of third parties, including Plus Ultra airline. He rejects the allegations.
Prime Minister Sánchez, who has not been named in any case, has rejected opposition calls for his resignation and early elections.
