David Sánchez convicted of prevarication in Badajoz case

The Audiencia Provincial of Badajoz sentenced David Sánchez Pérez‑Castejón, brother of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to nine years of disqualification from public office for cooperating in a prevarication offence. The court found that the public position of Coordinator of Conservatory Activities, created in 2016, was deliberately altered and renamed to benefit Sánchez, whose participation was deemed intentional and unlawful.

The verdict is not yet final; the defence has asked the court to remove references to his involvement, arguing the offence was prescribed. Appeals are expected to the Extremadura High Court and potentially the Supreme Court, a process that could extend into 2027‑2028.

The case has sparked political controversy. Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez‑Almeida demanded clarification on whether Sánchez is registered at the official residence of La Moncloa. Opposition parties have called for elections and highlighted the broader string of corruption investigations affecting the PSOE, including the cases of Begoña Gómez, Leire Díez and former prime minister José Luis Zapatero. The sentence underscores ongoing judicial scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s family and allies.