Spanish Prime Minister's wife Begoña Gómez to stand trial for influence peddling

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, is set to stand trial on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement.

Investigating Judge Juan Carlos Peinado on Monday ordered Gómez and Cristina Álvarez, her aide at La Moncloa, the prime minister’s office, to face trial after Madrid’s Provincial Court cleared the way in July, Spanish media reported.

The case centers on accusations that Gómez used her relationship to advance her career and co-direct a program at Madrid’s Complutense University, while also using public resources and government staff for private interests. Gómez denies wrongdoing.

The proceedings are the latest in a scandal-riddled year for Socialist leader Sánchez. Former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero recently faced questions over a €53-million pandemic bailout, while Socialist heavyweight Santos Cerdán was investigated in a public-contract kickback probe involving former minister José Luis Ábalos. Both men deny wrongdoing.

Gómez’s case will now go to a higher court, which must set a hearing date. Spain’s public prosecutor, which says the evidence does not establish a criminal offense, and the defense teams are seeking acquittals. Hazte Oír, an ultra-Catholic group acting as a private prosecutor, is seeking 13 years in prison for Gómez.

Her lawyer, Jaime Campaner, has argued that Hazte Oír’s indictment contains “serious technical defects” that are incompatible with the law and “irremediable” at this stage. He has called for the case to be closed.