Judge Peinado indicts Begoña Gómez on four charges, advancing the case to oral trial

A Spanish judge has taken a significant step towards trial by indicting Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, on multiple serious charges. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has concluded his investigation, deciding to proceed against Gómez for alleged influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement, and fraud. This decision casts a shadow over the government and the Prime Minister, who is currently on an official visit to China with his wife.

The judge’s auto specifically highlights the charge of influence peddling, suggesting Gómez used her position to secure a professorship at the Complutense University of Madrid. Judge Peinado’s remarks in his ruling are particularly striking, comparing the alleged conduct to that of "absolutist regimes," a strong condemnation that underscores the gravity with which the court views the case. While the investigation into professional intrusion has been shelved, the core charges against Gómez remain, along with those against her advisor and a businessman involved in the case.

This development marks a critical juncture in a case that has been closely watched in Spain. The indictment opens the door for the prosecution to formally request a trial, with a jury potentially deciding the outcome. The allegations touch upon sensitive issues of power, influence, and potential corruption within the highest echelons of Spanish society. As the legal process moves forward, the political implications for Prime Minister Sánchez and his government are undeniable, particularly given the timing and the personal connection to the accused.

The proceedings against Gómez were initiated in April 2024, and the judge’s decision to indict her now, after concluding the instruction phase, signals a belief that sufficient evidence exists to warrant a full trial. The coming days will be crucial as the parties involved have five days to respond to the indictment and present their final arguments, paving the way for the potential opening of oral proceedings.

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Pues las conductas que provienen de palacios presidenciales, como este supuesto, parecen más propias de regímenes absolutistas, por suerte, ya olvidados en el tiempo en nuestro Estado.