FLASH
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Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing one of the longest and most difficult weeks of his term, as his wife and Socialist predecessor at the helm of the government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, are expected to appear before courts investigating allegations of illegal influence and other suspected criminal offenses.
Sánchez came to power in 2018 on a promise to end the corruption that had severely damaged the then-ruling Popular Party (PP). However, his family, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and his administration have now been embroiled in a series of scandals and investigations.
His wife, Begoña Gómez, was summoned to appear in court on Monday afternoon by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who has charged her with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and improper use of public funds. The investigation against her has lasted for about two years.
According to the allegations, Gómez used her position as the prime minister's wife to secure and run a post at the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as to advance her private interests through public sources and personal contacts.
Also charged in the same case are Cristina Álvarez, Gómez's personal assistant, and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés. All three have denied any wrongdoing and are expected to face a jury trial.
The investigation into Gómez began after a complaint was filed by the organization “Manos Limpias” (Clean Hands), a group that presents itself as a trade union and is considered to have links to the far right. The organization has a history of using legal proceedings against people it considers a threat to Spain’s democratic interests.
Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly denied the allegations against his wife, calling them unfounded and politically motivated. He has accused political opponents and some media outlets of targeting his family, while also questioning the impartiality of some members of the judiciary.
Meanwhile, the prime minister's brother, David Sánchez, is also facing trial in a separate case that also stemmed from a complaint by "Manos Limpias." He is accused of taking advantage of a job created specifically for him as coordinator of music conservatories in the city of Badajoz in July 2017, when Pedro Sánchez led the PSOE but had not yet become prime minister.
David Sánchez, a classical musician and conductor, denies the charges. If found guilty, he faces up to three years in prison.
Political pressure on the government has been further increased by investigations into two former close aides of the prime minister, who are suspected of taking bribes in public contracts. Another judge is also investigating whether members of the PSOE took action to influence or destabilize judicial proceedings against the party and government.
However, the development that has caused the biggest political shock is the involvement of former Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in the investigation. Last month, a judge reviewing the financial rescue procedures of an airline during the Covid-19 pandemic placed Zapatero under investigation for influence peddling and other suspected offenses.
Zapatero, who led the Spanish government from 2004 to 2011 and is considered one of the most important figures of the Spanish left, has been ordered to testify before Spain's National Court (Audiencia Nacional) on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
The cases in question are increasing political pressure on Pedro Sánchez's government, as investigations continue and judicial institutions are expected to determine whether the charges will lead to full criminal proceedings.
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