Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been formally charged with multiple corruption-related offenses following a two-year criminal investigation, according to a court ruling.
Gómez faces allegations including embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of public funds. Prosecutors claim she used her relationship with the prime minister to advance her private career, including securing a position at Complutense University of Madrid, where she directed a master’s program in business studies despite allegedly lacking relevant qualifications.
The investigation, launched in April 2024 by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, focused on whether Gómez leveraged her public profile for personal gain and improperly used state resources. The case will now proceed through the courts to determine whether it goes to full trial.
Gómez has denied all allegations, while Sánchez has strongly rejected the claims, describing them as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign by right-wing groups to destabilize his coalition government. He previously took the unusual step of suspending public duties for five days to consider his position, citing what he called a “strategy of harassment” targeting his family.
The complaint was brought forward by Manos Limpias, led by Miguel Bernad, a figure reportedly linked to far-right circles. The group has a history of filing unsuccessful legal actions against political figures.
The controversy deepens ongoing pressure on Sánchez’s administration. His brother, David Sánchez, has also been indicted in a separate influence-peddling investigation, while former transport minister José Luis Ábalos is currently on trial over alleged kickbacks tied to pandemic-era procurement contracts.
Despite the legal challenges, Sánchez and Gómez are currently continuing official duties abroad, including a visit to China, as the Spanish government faces mounting political scrutiny.