Wife of Spain's PM Charged with Corruption in Long-Running Case
Wife of Spain's PM Charged with Corruption in Long-Running Case
Begoña Gómez faces charges of influence peddling and embezzlement as prosecutors pursue a high-profile corruption case tied to the prime minister's family.
Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez, has been charged with influence peddling, the embezzlement of public funds, misappropriation of funds and private corruption in a long-running case. The allegations say she used her position to secure a top job at a prestigious Madrid university and to advance her private interests. Her personal assistant and a businessman are also facing charges. All three deny any wrongdoing.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado said the two-year investigation had turned up enough indications of criminal conduct to prosecute and gave all parties five days to request the opening of oral proceedings or to submit defense briefs ahead of a possible trial.
Mr Sánchez, who has dismissed the case as an attempt to undermine his coalition, told reporters during an official visit to China that time would reveal the truth and that he has nothing more to add beyond saying he expects justice to be done. Sources from his PSOE party described the process as baseless and part of a strategy by the right and far right to harass the prime minister’s family, a claim countered by supporters who call it character assassination.
The case, which began two years ago after a group with far-right links prompted the investigation, centers on Gómez’s alleged use of her proximity to the prime minister to advance her career. As timelines for defense briefs and potential oral proceedings are set, observers say the case will test Spain’s political landscape and the government’s handling of high-profile corruption allegations.
