Madrid court upholds jury trial for Begoña Gómez on influence peddling, embezzlement charges

The Provincial Court of Madrid has partially upheld a jury trial for Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, focusing on alleged influence peddling and embezzlement.

While lifting previous precautionary measures such as passport surrender and travel restrictions, the court confirmed the decision to proceed with a jury trial. However, the charges have been narrowed. The court archived two other accusations against Gómez: business corruption and misappropriation.

Similarly, Gómez's advisor, Cristina Álvarez, will face a jury trial solely for alleged embezzlement. This charge is specifically related to the alleged diversion of software from a university program co-directed by Gómez at the Complutense University of Madrid. The court dismissed three other charges against Álvarez.

The court also decided to exclude businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés, the third individual implicated in the case, from the jury trial. The investigation against him will continue concerning the "legality or illegality of public contract awards."

Magistrates cited "indications" suggesting Gómez used her "privileged position as the wife of the Prime Minister" to influence the granting of a university chair and to intermediate on behalf of Barrabés. They also pointed to alleged embezzlement of public funds related to the software's destination and the use of her personal assistant for private purposes. The court found insufficient evidence for charges of improper management and disloyal administration, noting these typically apply to private assets, and for business corruption.