Spanish Prime Minister's Wife Faces Corruption Charges
Spanish PM's Wife Charged in Corruption Probe
Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been formally charged with corruption. The decision follows a two-year criminal investigation into allegations that she exploited her relationship to further her private career and misused public resources.
The charges against Ms Gómez include embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds. The court will now determine whether she will face trial. Ms Gómez strenuously denies all allegations, while Mr Sánchez has dismissed the claims as a politically motivated attempt by right-wing factions to undermine his government.
The investigation was initiated by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in April 2024, focusing on whether Ms Gómez exploited her status as the Prime Minister's wife for personal gain. Specific allegations point to her securing a directorship for a master's degree course in business studies at Madrid's Complutense University, despite a purported lack of relevant qualifications.
The complaint was brought by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), an anti-corruption group led by Miguel Bernad, who has known links to the far-right. The group has a history of bringing unsuccessful lawsuits against political figures.
In response to the initial investigation, Mr Sánchez temporarily suspended his public duties to reflect on his future, decrying what he described as a
