Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation, according to a court ruling published on Monday.
The investigation is one of several corruption cases involving the Socialist leader’s family and former allies, putting pressure on his minority government coalition.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Gomez had used her position as Sanchez’s wife for private gain, which she and the prime minister deny.
The case centers on the creation and management of a chair at the Complutense University of Madrid that was co-chaired by Gomez, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.
Peinado said his investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal conduct by Gomez, 55, according to an April 11 decision that was made public Monday.
He formally charged Gomez with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, the ruling added.
“The chairman served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation,” the judge wrote.
It is now up to the courts to decide whether Gómez will stand trial.
Gomez, who is on an official visit to China with Sanchez, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Sanchez has dismissed the allegations against his wife as a right-wing attempt to undermine his government. The opposition parties have demanded his resignation.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with far-right ties.
The prime minister’s brother, David Sanchez, has also been indicted in a separate investigation for alleged influence peddling related to his employment by a regional government.
Sanchez’s former right-hand man and former transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, went on trial this month for alleged bribery related to public contracts.
(cz)
