Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been charged with corruption after a two-year criminal investigation, according to a court ruling. Gómez is accused of using her relationship to advance her private career through a position at Madrid's Complutense University. She is also accused of using public resources to advance private interests.
The charges include embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds. It is now up to the courts to decide whether she will stand trial.
Gómez denies the charges, while Sánchez has dismissed the allegations as an effort by the right-wing to undermine his coalition government.
The investigation was initiated by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in April 2024 to determine if Gómez exploited her position for personal gain. Evidence suggests she secured her position at the university without relevant qualifications, thereby raising concerns about her credentials.
The complaint against Gómez was brought forth by anti-corruption activists led by Miguel Bernad, affiliated with the far-right, who have a history of filing lawsuits against politicians.
When the investigation began, Sánchez temporarily suspended public duties to reflect on the situation, describing the allegations as a political smear campaign against himself and his family. Both are currently on an official visit to China, where they are navigating this challenging situation.
Separately, Sánchez's brother has been implicated in an influence peddling investigation, and former officials from his administration are facing scrutiny for alleged misconduct related to PPE sales during the pandemic.
The charges include embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds. It is now up to the courts to decide whether she will stand trial.
Gómez denies the charges, while Sánchez has dismissed the allegations as an effort by the right-wing to undermine his coalition government.
The investigation was initiated by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in April 2024 to determine if Gómez exploited her position for personal gain. Evidence suggests she secured her position at the university without relevant qualifications, thereby raising concerns about her credentials.
The complaint against Gómez was brought forth by anti-corruption activists led by Miguel Bernad, affiliated with the far-right, who have a history of filing lawsuits against politicians.
When the investigation began, Sánchez temporarily suspended public duties to reflect on the situation, describing the allegations as a political smear campaign against himself and his family. Both are currently on an official visit to China, where they are navigating this challenging situation.
Separately, Sánchez's brother has been implicated in an influence peddling investigation, and former officials from his administration are facing scrutiny for alleged misconduct related to PPE sales during the pandemic.
