Spanish Judge Orders Begoña Gómez, PM Sánchez's Wife, to Stand Trial for Embezzlement

Judge Orders Trial Amid Escalating Probe

A Spanish judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial for alleged embezzlement, marking a significant escalation in a long-running corruption investigation. The ruling, issued by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, indicates that a preliminary investigation found sufficient evidence to warrant a jury trial. News of the order emerged on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with Gómez summoned to appear in court on Saturday, September 27, 2025, to be formally charged.

Allegations of Misuse of Public Resources

The core of the embezzlement allegations centers on whether Cristina Álvarez, an official employed in the Prime Minister's office, improperly performed duties for Begoña Gómez while Gómez held a position at Madrid's Complutense University. Judge Peinado's ruling cited emails sent by Álvarez to third parties that 'clearly seem to exceed her duties' in the prime minister's office. The judge suggested that Gómez's 'personal friendship' with Álvarez was 'the reason for her appointment to the position of highest trust,' and that this arrangement 'could represent a diversion of public resources in favour of private interests.' The investigation also encompasses alleged influence peddling and corruption.

Political Ramifications and Broader Investigations

The decision to send Begoña Gómez to trial intensifies political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's minority coalition government. The probe originated in April 2024 following a complaint filed by Manos Limpias ('Clean Hands'), an organization with ties to far-right causes. Sánchez has consistently dismissed the allegations against his wife as politically motivated 'lawfare' aimed at undermining his administration. He has stated, 'The truth will ultimately prevail. And the truth is that my brother and my wife are innocent.' The case is one of several corruption investigations impacting Sánchez's inner circle, with probes also open against his brother, David Sánchez, and former Socialist heavyweights such as Santos Cerdán and José Luis Ábalos.

Legal Process and Defense

Begoña Gómez maintains her innocence and has the right to appeal the ruling, which is not yet definitive. She previously testified before Judge Peinado, denying any wrongdoing and stating that Álvarez never assisted her in private professional activities. Judge Peinado has indicated that the embezzlement case could be heard by a popular jury, a process provided for under Spanish law for such offenses.