Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been banned from leaving the country as she prepares to face trial on corruption charges. Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered on Saturday that Gómez surrender her passport to the court and appear before the court twice a month until the case is resolved.
Charges and Defense
Begoña Gómez faces charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misuse of funds. The case focuses on allegations that public resources and personal connections were used to advance private interests in the creation and management of a university chair at Madrid's Complutense University, where Gómez served as co-chair.
Gómez has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the case. The lawsuit stems from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with far-right links.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has dismissed the charges against his wife as an attempt by the right wing to undermine his government. Sánchez's Socialist Party stated that Gómez is innocent and is the victim of a years-long campaign of political persecution.
No date has been set for the politically explosive trial. This case is one of several corruption investigations involving Sánchez's allies that are either approaching trial or already in court, increasing pressure on the prime minister.
Other Investigations
Several close allies of Sánchez are under investigation in cases allegedly linked to bribery involving public contracts, oil and gas deals, and mask procurement during the pandemic. The individuals involved deny any wrongdoing.
Additionally, Spain's Supreme Court announced it has opened an investigation into allegations that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero led a network that profited by lobbying public institutions on behalf of third parties, including the airline Plus Ultra. Zapatero has also denied the allegations.
Prime Minister Sánchez, who is not named in any of the cases, has rejected opposition demands that he resign and call early elections.
