Spanish judge summons Prime Minister to testify in case involving his wife

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
Spanish Prime Minister

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been summoned by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado to testify as a witness in a case involving his wife, Begoña Gómez, who is under investigation for alleged influence peddling and corruption.

The testimony is scheduled for 30 July, and due to his high office, the judge will visit the Moncloa Palace to take his statement.

Background of the case

The investigation centres on allegations that Gómez used her position to influence business dealings, including claims that she provided recommendations benefiting companies associated with her. These accusations were brought forward by the right-wing union Manos Limpias. Furthermore, Joaquín Goyache Goñi, the rector of the Complutense University of Madrid, has been reclassified from a witness to a suspect and will testify on 29 July.

Political reactions

The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has announced its intention to appeal the judge’s decision, labelling the new proceedings as “unjustified” and politically motivated. They argue that all previous investigations have shown no cause for the charges, citing reports from the Guardia Civil and the testimonies conducted so far.

PSOE officials claim the case is a politically orchestrated attack by right-wing parties, particularly the People’s Party (PP) and Vox, aiming to damage Sánchez’s reputation and his family’s. Félix Bolaños, Minister of the Presidency, has strongly defended Sánchez, denouncing the investigation as a “ruthless persecution.”

Opposition calls for Sánchez’s resignation

Adding to the controversy, Partido Popular leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has called for Sánchez’s resignation, drawing parallels to Sánchez’s own demands for former Prime Minister Rajoy to step down over corruption scandals in 2017. Feijóo criticised the current government for avoiding accountability and transparency.

Meanwhile, Spanish Vice President Yolanda Díaz expressed her astonishment at the judge’s decision, noting that, despite her legal experience, she had never encountered such a case. She emphasised her expectation that Sánchez and Gómez would defend themselves but remained genuinely “perplexed” by the judicial action.

Implications 

Vox had requested Sánchez’s testimony after Gómez exercised her right not to testify. The right-wing party has been vocal about needing Sánchez to clarify his involvement in meetings and alleged business facilitation for his wife. The investigation also includes inquiries into potential misuse of European funds, leading the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to take part in the probe.

As the political and legal battle unfolds, the case continues to attract significant media attention, raising questions about the impact on Sánchez’s administration and the broader implications for Spanish politics.

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