Spanish PM’s wife Begoña Gomez faces embezzlement trial

Madrid: A Spanish judge has ordered Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begoña Gomez, to stand trial on charges of alleged embezzlement, escalating political tensions for the Socialist-led government.

The ruling, issued Tuesday by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, stated there is “sufficient evidence” to warrant a jury trial. Gomez is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. The case focuses on whether a staff member from the prime minister’s office, Cristina Alvarez, improperly worked for Gomez during her previous role at Madrid’s Complutense University, using public resources for private benefit.

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Peinado cited emails sent by Alvarez that appeared to go beyond her official duties, adding that Gomez’s personal friendship with her was “the reason for her appointment to the position of highest trust.” The judge argued the appointment may have diverted public resources for private interests.

Gomez has denied any wrongdoing. During a court appearance earlier this month, she told investigators Alvarez never assisted in her private professional activities, aside from sending occasional messages that did not interfere with official work, according to legal sources. Her defense has also noted that spouses of previous Spanish prime ministers had staff support to manage their schedules and security.

The probe began in April 2024 after complaints filed by groups with far-right ties. Sanchez has repeatedly defended his wife, calling the case a politically motivated attempt to destabilize his government. “There are judges who do politics and politicians who try to do justice,” he said earlier this month, denouncing what he described as spurious complaints.

The embezzlement case is one of several legal challenges affecting Sanchez’s circle. Other corruption investigations have targeted Socialist figures, including Santos Cerdan, former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, and Sanchez’s younger brother David Sanchez.

The legal troubles come at a sensitive moment for Spain’s minority coalition government, which often relies on complex negotiations with smaller regional and separatist parties to pass legislation.