Spanish Prime Minister’s Wife Accused of Corruption

An investigation has reached the family of Spain’s prime minister. Begona Gomez, the wife of Pedro Sanchez, faces charges of embezzlement, abuse of influence, corruption in business relations and mismanagement of funds. A judge in Madrid brought the charges after a two-year investigation.

According to the allegations, she used her position to secure and manage a role at Madrid’s Complutense University and to advance her own interests through public resources and personal contacts. Her assistant Cristina Alvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabes have also been charged. All deny the accusations.

The investigation was launched following a complaint by Manos Limpias, an organization with links to the far right.

In his ruling, the judge suggested that some public decisions may have been influenced by Gomez’s position after her husband took over the leadership of the Socialist Party and the government. He also pointed to practices which, in his view, did not meet the standards of a democratic state.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described the case as politically motivated and has repeatedly questioned the impartiality of parts of the judiciary. He says he has confidence in the justice system and expects his wife’s name to be cleared. The court will now decide whether to refer the case to a jury.

(guardian, bak)