Spanish Prime Minister's Wife Placed Under Travel Ban

A Spanish judge has imposed a travel ban on Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, in a move that has intensified a criminal investigation and drawn widespread criticism. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Gómez to surrender her passport and report to court twice a month, a measure described as unprecedented in contemporary Spain.

El Pais reported that the judge's decision suggests a perceived risk of Gómez fleeing potential imprisonment, possibly with the assistance of her police bodyguards. This implication has deeply angered many, including the police union Jupol, which is not typically seen as aligned with the government. The Interior Ministry has filed a formal complaint, deeming the suspicion cast upon the police as excessive.

The Prime Minister's office contends that the judicial decision is politically motivated. Both Gómez and Sánchez have denied any wrongdoing, and Gómez intends to appeal the precautionary measures. The controversy has escalated to the point where the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) has convened an urgent meeting to consider potential disciplinary actions against the judge, who is set to retire in the fall.

Gómez was charged in April with embezzlement, abuse of office, corruption, and misuse of public funds. She is suspected of leveraging her position as the prime minister's spouse to secure a role at Madrid's Complutense University and of exploiting public funds for personal gain. Her aides and a businessman are also facing charges, all of whom deny guilt. Sánchez had previously considered resigning due to the investigation but ultimately decided to continue in his role, citing solidarity from various societal sectors.

The investigation, initiated by the far-right group Manos Limpias, began in early 2024. While a court rejected the prosecutor's request to close the preliminary corruption probe in late April, it did find sufficient evidence to continue the investigation. The group has a history of using legal channels against those it perceives as threats to Spanish democracy.