The Provincial Court of Madrid has ruled that Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, will stand trial before a citizen jury on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement. This decision marks a significant development in a two-year legal investigation that has generated intense political debate across Spain. While the court upheld the core of the case, it simultaneously dismissed two other accusations—corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds—narrowing the scope of the upcoming proceedings.
In addition to the ruling on the charges, the court ordered the immediate lifting of all precautionary measures previously imposed on Gómez. These restrictions, which included the surrender of her passport, a travel ban, and a requirement to report to the court biweekly, have been removed, effectively restoring her freedom of movement. The court’s decision follows an extensive investigation led by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, which examined Gómez's professional activities, specifically her role in a university chair at Complutense University and her interactions with private businessmen.
The legal case originated from a complaint filed by the organization Manos Limpias, which alleged that Gómez used her position as the Prime Minister’s spouse to secure professional advantages. Throughout the investigation, Gómez has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that her actions were legitimate. Prime Minister Sánchez has also publicly defended his wife, characterizing the legal proceedings as a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by his opponents to destabilize his government.
With the court’s latest ruling, the case now moves toward a jury trial, a process in Spain typically reserved for specific types of serious offenses. The prosecution, which includes popular accusations led by the group Hazte Oír, must now prepare its formal case based on the two remaining charges. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on the evidence regarding the alleged use of public resources and influence, with no trial date currently set.