Spanish PM's Wife Charged With Corruption, Influence Peddling; Passport Surrendered to Court

A Spanish judge has ordered Begoña Gómez to stand trial on charges of influence peddling and corruption, marking a significant development in a case that has generated intense political debate in Spain. As part of the ruling, Gómez has been instructed to surrender her passport and report to a court every two weeks. No trial date has been announced so far.

The decision was issued by investigative judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who argued that Gómez poses a potential flight risk. The court-imposed restrictions are intended to ensure her availability for future legal proceedings. The ruling represents the latest stage in a high-profile investigation that has drawn widespread attention due to Gómez's position as the spouse of Spain's prime minister.

According to the allegations, Gómez used her public profile and connections to influence the awarding of government contracts to a group of technology companies. The judge has also accused her of misusing public funds related to the hiring of a consultant and of improperly using software resources while serving as a professor at a public university. The accusations form the basis of the charges that will be examined during the trial.

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Gómez has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that she acted lawfully in all matters under investigation. Her legal team is expected to challenge the allegations as the case moves toward trial. The proceedings are likely to attract significant public and media attention given the political prominence of those involved.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly defended his wife and criticised the investigation. He has argued that the case is part of a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by conservative opponents seeking to weaken or remove his left-wing government. Sánchez's administration has been in power since 2018 and has frequently faced intense political opposition.

The ruling has intensified political tensions across Spain, with opposition parties using the development to increase pressure on the government. Critics have called for accountability and raised questions about the conduct of public officials, while supporters of Sánchez argue that the judicial process should be allowed to proceed without political interference. As the case moves toward trial, it is expected to remain a major issue in Spanish politics and public discourse

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