Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing mounting political pressure after a judge ordered his wife, Begona Gomez, to stand trial on corruption-related charges and banned her from leaving the country.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Gomez to surrender her passport and report to court twice a month while proceedings continue, according to CNN. She faces charges including embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds.
Denials and accusations of political motivation
Both Gomez and Sanchez have denied any wrongdoing. The prime minister has repeatedly described the investigation as politically motivated and an “obscene farce.” The case began in 2024 after anti-corruption group Manos Limpias filed a complaint alleging influence peddling.
Sanchez briefly stepped away from public duties at the time as the investigation gathered pace. Responding to the latest ruling, Justice Minister Felix Bolanos wrote on X: “Today is a dreadful day for those of us who believe in justice,” adding “truth will ultimately prevail.”
Broader investigations strain coalition
CNN reported that the case is one of several investigations involving figures close to Sanchez, including former allies and members of his party. Although the prime minister has not been accused of any offence, the investigations have placed additional strain on his minority coalition government.
