Begoa Gmez faces trial on corruption charges as Spain's political crisis deepens

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1 month · 5 summary articles
A Spanish court on Saturday ordered Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, to stand trial on corruption charges and barred her from leaving the country, a decision her legal team said she would appeal.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado of the Madrid court issued the ruling, which requires Gómez to surrender her passport and appear before the court every 15 days until a verdict is reached. The case centres on allegations that she used her position as the prime minister’s spouse to secure lucrative contracts, charges she denies. The court’s order, released on 20 June 2026, marks the first time Gómez has been formally indicted in a series of corruption investigations that have shadowed Sánchez’s Socialist-led coalition government since early 2025.
The ruling deepens the political crisis facing Sánchez, whose minority government has relied on fragile parliamentary support. The opposition has seized on the case, accusing the government of systemic corruption and demanding Sánchez’s resignation. His office responded by calling the judge’s decision an “over-reach” and a “politically motivated attack” on the prime minister’s family. The Socialist Party (PSOE) went further, labelling the proceedings a “democratic scandal” and vowing to defend Gómez’s innocence in court.
Legal experts note that the measures imposed—passport confiscation and periodic court appearances—are standard in high-profile corruption cases where flight risk is a concern. However, the timing of the ruling, just months before regional elections in Andalusia and Catalonia, has intensified speculation about its political fallout. Analysts suggest the case could further erode public trust in Sánchez’s government, which has already faced multiple scandals involving former allies and family members.
Gómez’s legal team confirmed on Saturday that she will file an appeal against the precautionary measures, arguing that the judge’s decision lacks sufficient evidence to justify such restrictions. The appeal process could take weeks, during which Gómez will remain in Spain. The trial itself is expected to begin in the autumn, following the conclusion of pre-trial proceedings.
The case is one of several corruption investigations linked to Sánchez’s inner circle. In 2025, his former chief of staff was convicted of influence peddling, while allegations of favouritism in public procurement contracts have repeatedly surfaced. Sánchez has consistently denied any wrongdoing by his wife, describing the accusations as an attempt to destabilise his government.
With the opposition calling for snap elections and Sánchez’s coalition partners under pressure to distance themselves, the ruling on Saturday adds a new layer of instability to Spanish politics. The coming weeks will determine whether the case accelerates the government’s decline or, as its supporters argue, exposes a politically driven campaign to undermine it.
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