Corruption Investigations/Prime Minister's Wife Banned from Leaving the Country

2026-06-22 08:52:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Corruption Investigations/Prime Minister's Wife Banned from Leaving the

Political pressure on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has increased significantly after a court ordered his wife, Begoña Gómez, to stand trial as part of an investigation into corruption and influence peddling.

According to the ruling by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, Gómez must surrender her passport and will not be allowed to leave Spain. She has also been ordered to appear in court twice a month.

The investigation into Gómez includes charges of influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. Authorities suspect that she used her position as the prime minister's wife to advance her professional career at a university in Madrid.

Both Begoña Gómez and Pedro Sánchez have categorically denied any wrongdoing. The prime minister has repeatedly stated that the case is politically motivated and has called it a “shameful farce.”

The case began in 2024 after a lawsuit filed by the anti-corruption group "Manos Limpias." The investigation has caused a stir in the Spanish political scene, with Sánchez withdrawing from public activities for several days to reflect on the continuation of his mandate.

Meanwhile, legal problems are not limited to the prime minister's wife. Several important figures from the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) and close associates of Sánchez have been involved in various investigations for corruption and misuse of funds.

Police have also recently raided the PSOE headquarters in Madrid as part of an investigation into the alleged use of party funds. The conservative opposition, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has called for Sánchez's resignation, saying the government is in its final stages.

However, the Spanish prime minister has insisted he will serve out his full term, with the next parliamentary elections due next year. Recent polls show the conservative opposition gaining ground, making Sánchez's political future uncertain after nearly eight years in power. / CNA