Spain's Prime Minister Sanchez's Wife Referred to Trial Over Corruption Allegations

A Madrid judge, Juan Carlos Peinado, ordered that Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, be referred to trial on charges of corruption, embezzlement, misuse of public resources and undue influence. The court imposed strict conditions, requiring her to surrender her passport, prohibiting her from leaving Spain and mandating bi‑monthly appearances before authorities.

Spain's Justice Minister Félix Bolanos condemned the judge's decisions as “unreasonable” and “contrary to the law,” accusing the judiciary of political interference. The government has framed the case as a politically motivated campaign against the prime minister, while opposition parties have used the development to call for early elections.

The investigation, begun in 2024 after a complaint by the far‑right group Manos Limpias, is part of a broader series of probes involving members of Sanchez's family and close associates, heightening political tension and raising questions about the stability of his administration.