Shockwaves in Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife sent to trial for corruption

The wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will stand trial for corruption and will be barred from leaving Spain, according to a ruling issued Saturday by an investigating judge. This case presents a new political challenge for the head of government, who is already facing several investigations targeting his inner circle.

Begoña Gómez is under investigation following allegations that she used her status as the Prime Minister's wife to obtain business contracts. She strongly denies these allegations and maintains that she has not committed any wrongdoing.

Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado has ordered several precautionary measures against her. Begoña Gómez must surrender her passport to the authorities, is no longer allowed to leave Spain, and will be required to appear in court twice a month.

The case was brought before the courts by far-right groups and is part of a context of intense political polarization in Spain. Pedro Sánchez, for his part, maintains that the various proceedings targeting his inner circle are part of a campaign intended to weaken his government and remove him from power. The Prime Minister, however, is not implicated in any of these investigations.

Meanwhile, several close associates of Sánchez are also the subject of judicial investigations. These include a senior Socialist Party official and a former Minister of Transport, suspected in cases related to public procurement, energy contracts, and the acquisition of medical supplies during the pandemic. All deny the accusations against them.

This new court decision comes as another high-profile investigation also targets former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The Spanish High Court is examining suspicions that he participated in a lobbying network on behalf of third parties, including the airline Plus Ultra. Here again, the former leader denies any illegal involvement.

These multiple legal cases are fueling political tensions in Spain and could weigh further on a government already facing determined opposition and a climate of growing distrust in public debate.