Spanish PM's wife Begoña Gómez to stand trial on corruption charges

Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been ordered by a judge to stand trial on charges of influence peddling and corruption. Investigative Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ruled that Gómez must surrender her passport and appear in court twice a month until her trial date, which has not yet been set. The judge cited a risk of flight as the reason for the passport surrender. Gómez is accused of using her position to influence government contracts awarded to a tech company group, misusing public funds in hiring a consultant, and improper use of software while a university professor. A businessman who allegedly benefited from government contracts and Gómez's adviser have also been named as defendants. Gómez has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Prime Minister Sánchez and his Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) have characterized the legal proceedings as politically motivated, with the party stating Gómez is innocent and has been subjected to judicial and political persecution. The opposition People's Party has intensified pressure on Sánchez, calling for early elections. The investigation into Gómez was initiated by the pressure group Manos Limpias, which has driven multiple legal cases, many linked to conservative causes. Separately, former socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero recently appeared before another judge regarding his alleged role in a government airline bailout and the discovery of high-end jewelry during a police search of his office; he also denies any wrongdoing.