Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Summoned as Witness in Corruption Probe Involving Wife

 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been called as a witness in a corruption investigation concerning his wife, Begoña Gómez.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado will question Sánchez at his official residence at 11:00 am on July 30 regarding suspected influence peddling by Gómez, as stated by the court. The investigation, which began in April, is examining whether Gómez used her government connections to advance her private business interests.

The probe was initiated following a complaint from Manos Limpias ("Clean Hands"), a platform linked to ultranationalist groups known for filing legal complaints related to far-right causes. These groups have connections to the far-right Vox party, which also requested that Sánchez be summoned as a witness, according to the Madrid High Court.

Gómez invoked her right to remain silent during questioning by a judge on Friday. She had previously appeared before the same judge on July 5, but the hearing was suspended after her lawyer requested more time to review the complaints against her, stating they had not been fully informed.

The investigation was sparked by a complaint from Manos Limpias, alleging corruption and influence peddling in the private sector, based on media reports. A second complaint, citing influence peddling, was filed by Hazte Oir ("Make Yourself Heard"), an ultra-Catholic pressure group with far-right ties.

Prime Minister Sánchez has consistently defended his wife, asserting that she has done nothing wrong. His justice minister, Felix Bolanos, also voiced support for Gómez on Friday.