Spanish Prime Minister’s Spouse Faces Corruption Charges After Two-Year Inquiry

Begoña Gómez, the spouse of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been formally accused of corruption following a two-year legal investigation. A court decision outlined the charges, which include embezzlement, influence peddling, and misuse of public funds in business dealings. The case centers on allegations that Gómez leveraged her marital ties to bolster her private career, specifically through a role at Madrid’s Complutense University.

According to the ruling, Gómez is also said to have used public resources for her own benefit. The investigation, initiated by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in April 2024, explores whether her position as the prime minister’s wife allowed her to secure a job at the prestigious university where she oversaw a business studies master’s program. Prosecutors highlighted her lack of relevant qualifications as key evidence in the case.

“This is an attempt by the right-wing to undermine my coalition,” Sánchez stated, describing the accusations as part of a political strategy to discredit his administration.

Manos Limpias, an anti-corruption collective, filed the complaint against Gómez. The group, led by Miguel Bernad—a figure associated with far-right movements—has previously brought multiple lawsuits against politicians without success. The current charges mark another effort to scrutinize political ties to private gain.

When the probe began, Sánchez temporarily halted his official duties for five days to “reflect” on potential consequences for his leadership. He claimed the right and far-right factions were engaged in a “harassment strategy” to weaken his political standing. Gómez and Sánchez are currently in China on an official trip, where they have been engaging in diplomatic discussions.

Brother and Former Minister Under Investigation

Separately, David Sánchez, the prime minister’s brother, has been indicted in a separate case related to alleged influence peddling. The inquiry focuses on his connection to a regional government’s hiring practices. Meanwhile, José Luis Ábalos, Sánchez’s former transport minister, recently went on trial for receiving kickbacks linked to the sale of personal protective equipment to the Spanish government during the Covid-19 pandemic.