Spain’s Prime Minister (PM) Pedro Sánchez, is facing renewed political pressure after his wife, Begoña Gómez, was formally charged with corruption following a two-year investigation into her professional activities.
Read more breaking stories from our latest nigeria news
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado concluded the probe this week, accusing Gómez of bribery, embezzlement of public funds, and misappropriation. The case centres on allegations that she used her position as the prime minister’s spouse to influence public institutions and secure professional advantages.
Read related news:
Spanish police record largest-ever cocaine seizure
Spanish PM accuses Netanyahu of war crimes in Gaza
Mass protest hits Madrid over scandals of Spanish PM Sánchez
“I have found sufficient indications that public influence may have been exercised in an irregular manner,” Judge Peinado said in his ruling, describing the conduct as unprecedented in Spain’s democratic era.
Gómez, who denies any wrongdoing, is expected to appeal the charges.
The development comes at a politically sensitive time for Sánchez, whose administration has been battling a string of corruption allegations involving close associates and senior members of his Socialist Party.
Just last week, former transport minister José Luis Ábalos went on trial over claims he accepted kickbacks linked to pandemic-era contracts for personal protective equipment. He has also denied the accusations.
Allegations and Key Details
The investigation into Gómez focuses largely on her role at Madrid’s Complutense University, where she was involved in managing postgraduate programmes. Prosecutors allege that she leveraged her proximity to power to influence decision-making processes within public institutions.
Central to the case is her association with businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés, who has also been charged. Authorities claim he may have benefited from preferential access to public contracts.
While the judge acknowledged there was no clear evidence that Gómez directly profited financially, he argued that her actions may have enabled others to gain unfair advantages.
In one of the more controversial claims, investigators also examined allegations that Gómez improperly appropriated software developed under a university-funded programme.
Government Pushback
Spain’s left-wing government has strongly rejected the charges, describing the investigation as politically motivated.
Justice Minister Félix Bolaños accused the judiciary of conducting what he called a “witch hunt” and expressed confidence that the case would collapse on appeal.
“I think the damage that has been done to the reputation of our justice system is, in many ways, irreparable,” Bolaños said.
Sánchez himself has previously dismissed the allegations as part of a broader campaign by conservative media and political opponents. When the investigation first became public in 2024, he took a five-day leave from office to consider his response.
At the time, he described the accusations as the work of a “mud-flinging machine” aimed at destabilising his government.
Wider Political Fallout
The case adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Sánchez’s administration, including a separate investigation involving his brother, David Sánchez, who is due to stand trial next month over allegations of receiving a salary from a publicly funded position that allegedly lacked defined responsibilities.
Analysts say the accumulation of cases could weaken the government’s standing ahead of future elections.
“Even if these cases do not result in convictions, the political damage is significant,” one Madrid-based political analyst said. “Perception matters, and the government is increasingly on the defensive.”
Who Is Begoña Gómez?
Begoña Gómez, 55, has largely maintained a low public profile despite her husband’s political prominence. She has worked in the private sector and in academic roles, including positions related to business development and social transformation initiatives.
She has no formal political role, but her professional activities have drawn scrutiny due to her proximity to power.
Gómez is expected to challenge the charges in court, a process that could take months or even years to resolve. For Sánchez, the case presents a fresh test of political resilience at a time when his government is already under pressure.
Whether the allegations hold in court or are dismissed on appeal, the controversy is likely to remain a central issue in Spain’s political landscape.
