This case is among several corruption scandals involving the Socialist leader’s family and former associates, posing a threat to his minority coalition government.

A Spanish judiciary has mandated that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, face a jury trial on corruption charges and prohibited her from traveling abroad, as per an order issued on Saturday.

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Judge Juan Carlos Peinado instructed Gómez to surrender her passport and to attend court hearings twice monthly until the case concludes, the decision stated.

In April, Peinado formally charged Gómez with embezzlement, influence trafficking, business-related corruption, and misappropriation of assets.

Precautionary measures were placed on Gómez and Cristina Álvarez, an advisor at the Moncloa Palace. Instructions were directed to border checkpoints and both civilian and military airports to enforce Gómez’s travel restriction.

Juan Carlos Barrabés, the third accused in this matter, is not subjected to these travel limitations.

Sources close to Gómez indicate she plans to appeal these restrictions, particularly contesting the passport confiscation.

This ruling follows a preliminary hearing held earlier this week, during which prosecutors requested a jury trial and sought restrictions to mitigate any risk of flight.

Heated legal and political disputes

The Public Prosecutor’s Office and defense lawyers, conversely, sought dismissal of the case, arguing the evidence does not substantiate criminal charges.

The investigation focuses on the establishment and administration of a chair at Madrid’s Complutense University, which Gómez co-directed, alongside alleged misuse of public funds and personal networks to further private interests.

Launched in April 2024, this probe examines whether Gómez exploited her position as Sánchez’s spouse for personal benefit, allegations both she and the prime minister reject.

According to the judge’s indictment, «the chair acted as a channel for professional development for the person investigated.»

The case has ignited significant political and legal controversy. While prosecutors assert sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial, the defense and Prosecutor’s Office have consistently challenged the procedure, citing investigative irregularities.

The investigation originated from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group linked to the far right, with Sánchez dismissing the accusations against his wife as a right-wing attempt to destabilize his administration.

This is one of multiple corruption issues entangling the Socialist leader’s family and former allies, threatening the stability of his minority coalition government.

Sánchez has rebuffed opposition demands for his resignation and refusal to call early elections amidst escalating corruption scandals.

Additional sources • AFP