Key facts
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, faces charges including embezzlement and influence peddling.
- Former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for alleged influence peddling and tax fraud.
- Sánchez's brother, David Sánchez, is also on trial for alleged influence peddling.
- The investigations stem from complaints by Manos Limpias, a trade union with far-right links.
- Sánchez has dismissed the cases as politically motivated smears and questioned judicial impartiality.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is navigating a tumultuous week as his wife, Begoña Gómez, and former socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero face judicial scrutiny over alleged influence peddling and other offenses. Gómez has been formally charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds following a two-year investigation. The probe, initiated by the trade union Manos Limpias, alleges she used her position as the prime minister's spouse to secure a university post and advance private interests.
Adding to the political pressure, Sánchez's brother, David Sánchez, is currently on trial for allegedly being handed a bespoke job as a music conservatory coordinator. Furthermore, former Prime Minister Zapatero, a significant figure in the Spanish left, is under investigation related to the state bailout of the airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic. This inquiry has expanded to include potential tax fraud and smuggling after jewelry valued at over €1.3 million was discovered in his office safe.
Sánchez has consistently denounced the investigations into his wife and family as politically motivated smear campaigns, questioning the impartiality of some judicial figures. Despite calls for a snap election from the opposition People's Party, Sánchez has affirmed his intention to serve his full term. Recent polling suggests a majority of socialist voters support his decision to remain in office until the next scheduled general election.