Wife of Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, accused of influence peddling, corruption, embezzlement and embezzlement
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado agreed to the prosecution of Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, for alleged crimes of influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement of public funds and embezzlement, after closing the investigation in this case, writes Euronews.it
The magistrate dismissed the charge of professional intrusion for lack of evidence, but believes there is enough evidence to proceed with proceedings for the other four offences.
The resolution also affects consultant Cristina Álvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés, who are also being prosecuted in this investigation.
The judge has now given the parties five days to request the opening of the proceedings or file defense briefs, before a possible trial.
The investigation focuses on Gómez's work at the Complutense University of Madrid and his relationships with businessmen in the context of projects and professional collaborations promoted by this institution.
The case began in 2024 following a complaint by the organization Manos Limpias, which was later supplemented by other allegations.
The government attacked Judge Juan Carlos Peinado for proposing to try Begoña Gómez for four crimes, while the PP described the situation of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife as “unbelievable”.
The magistrate has concluded his investigation and proposes to prosecute Gómez for influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. The resolution was announced during the prime minister's official trip to China, where he is accompanied by his wife, a coincidence that the government and PSOE do not consider to be a coincidence.
The government expressed its displeasure with the content of the judgment, especially the references to “absolutist regimes”, which it considers incompatible with a democratic system. Several ministers have come to Gómez's defense, including Félix Bolaños, who is confident the higher courts will overturn the decision, and Jordi Hereu, who has defended his innocence.
From the People's Party, Alma Ezcurra harshly criticized the situation, pointing out that Gómez is in Beijing. The People's Party considers the case “absolutely unbelievable” and questions whether a prime minister should have his wife in this judicial situation.
The Spanish Prime Minister's reaction: “Time will put everything and everyone in their place”
For its part, the PSOE insists that the case is “baseless” and considers it part of a right-wing and far-right strategy, while Sumar calls the investigation “dubious”. On the other hand, from Vox, Ignacio Garriga welcomed the judicial decision and called for the next step to prosecute Sánchez himself.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appeared before the media on Tuesday during his official visit to Beijing after meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In addition to advocating for “strengthening ties” with China to achieve a “new, more stable international order,” during the question-and-answer session, he addressed Judge Peinado's decision to close the investigation, putting Begoña Gómez one step closer to a corruption jury trial.
“I'm asking the judiciary to do its job,” stated Pedro Sánchez simply. “I am convinced that time will put everything and everyone in their place.”
The chief executive did not wish to continue, and the rest of the appearance focused on the bilateral meeting with China and general aspects of the international order.Material produced with the support of Rador Radio Romania)
