Spanish Prime Minister’s wife charged with influence peddling, corruption

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife has been charged with influence peddling and private-sector corruption.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has formally charged Begoña Gómez following a months-long criminal investigation that has shaken Spanish politics, according to a ruling published. Gómez will now stand trial, Bloomberg reports.

The government has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by Gómez.

The allegations are intensifying political pressure on Sánchez, whose Socialist-led minority government is already contending with multiple corruption investigations and accusations of politically motivated attacks ahead of next year’s general election, which opponents are expected to exploit. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said the investigation had “confused many citizens and judges,” warning that the damage to the reputation of the justice system would “in many respects be irreparable.”

In 2024, Sánchez considered resigning after criminal proceedings were initiated against Gómez, but ultimately remained in office, insisting the accusations were unfounded and politically driven.

The case stems from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group linked to the far right, which made use of Spain’s legal framework allowing third parties to trigger criminal investigations.

Separately, the prime minister’s brother has also been accused of alleged influence peddling in connection with employment within a regional administration. He has rejected the investigation as politically motivated.

Gómez is currently in China alongside Sánchez, who during the visit urged Beijing to leverage its global influence to help bring an end to the wars in Iran and Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva