The wife of President Pedro Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, will have to face a trial for alleged corruption crimes. The judge has imposed severe restrictions, including the withdrawal of her passport.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has decided to open a trial with a jury against Begoña Gómez, wife of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. This decision comes amid serious allegations that include alleged crimes of influence peddling and embezzlement of public funds. Furthermore, the judge has imposed precautionary measures that include the withdrawal of her passport, a prohibition on leaving the country, and the obligation to appear before the court every fifteen days. Gómez has announced her intention to appeal this decision.
The precautionary measures also apply to Cristina Álvarez, Gómez's advisor, who is implicated in the same case. The decision was made following a preliminary hearing where the popular accusations, led by the organization Hazte Oír, requested these restrictions. In an extensive judicial order spanning 84 pages, the judge argues that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial.
The accusations against Gómez revolve around her management at the chair she co-directed at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and her relationship with businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés. She is accused of having used her influence to favour Barrabés in various dealings related to academic and business projects.
Peinado notes that after Sánchez's investiture as Prime Minister, there was a significant change in Gómez's professional trajectory. Just two months after leaving her previous job, she was appointed director of the IE Africa Center. This sudden rise has raised suspicions about possible irregularities in her appointments and work decisions.
The case does not only involve Gómez; charges have also been brought against Barrabés for influence peddling and business corruption. However, he has not been subjected to precautionary measures like those imposed on Gómez and Álvarez.
The situation is tense for both the parties involved and the Spanish Government. The public image of the Executive could be affected if the allegations prove to be true or if any misconduct by its closest members is demonstrated.
As this judicial process unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how it affects the Spanish political landscape and what repercussions it will have on future government decisions. Citizens will be attentive to the next legal steps that both Begoña Gómez and her advisor Cristina Álvarez will take as they face these serious allegations.
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