Spanish judge sends Pedro Sánchez's wife to trial, confiscates passport

A Spanish judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial on corruption charges, adding to a series of judicial scandals surrounding the left-wing leader. The investigation into Gómez centers on allegations of using public resources and personal connections to advance private interests, particularly concerning a cátedra she co-directed at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has mandated that Gómez surrender her passport and appear before authorities twice monthly until a verdict is reached. The court has also alerted all border crossings and airports to prevent her from leaving the country. The trial date has not yet been set. In April, Gómez was formally charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption, and misappropriation of funds.

The investigation, initiated in April 2024, seeks to determine if Gómez exploited her position as the prime minister's wife for personal gain. Both Gómez and Sánchez deny these accusations, with the prime minister framing the case as a politically motivated campaign by the right-wing opposition to undermine his minority government.

This case follows other recent legal troubles for Sánchez's circle. His brother, David Sánchez, has also been on trial for alleged preferential treatment in securing a public position. Furthermore, former minister José Luis Ábalos faced trial in April for alleged illegal commissions linked to public contracts. The opposition parties have called for Sánchez's resignation and early elections.