Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been charged with corruption after a two-year investigation. She insists on her innocence, while the Spanish leader says it is a political attack by right-wing forces.
On 14 April 2026, international news agencies reported that Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was charged with corruption following a criminal process and investigation lasting over two years. Gómez is accused of leveraging her position as the prime minister’s wife to benefit her personal career, particularly obtaining a position at Complutense University of Madrid and using state resources for personal gain.
The court order states she faces multiple charges including embezzlement, abuse of influence, granting business favors, and misusing funds. The next step depends on whether the court decides to prosecute the case for trial.
Gómez denies all allegations, while Prime Minister Sánchez insists this is an attempt by the right wing to undermine his coalition government. Previously, he announced a five-day leave of absence to reconsider his position amid smear campaigns and threats from right-wing and far-right groups targeting his wife.
The investigation began in April 2024 under Judge Juan Carlos Peinado to examine whether Gómez used her status as the prime minister’s wife to seek benefits, especially regarding her appointment and management of a business master’s program despite questions about her qualifications. The case originated from a complaint filed by the anti-corruption group “Manos Limpias,” led by Miguel Bernad, known for ties to far-right groups and for filing unsuccessful lawsuits against politicians in the past.
Legal troubles have also extended to Prime Minister Sánchez’s family and close associates. His brother, David Sánchez, has been charged with abusing influence to interfere in local government hiring. Additionally, José Luis Ábalos, former transport minister, is under trial for allegedly receiving benefits related to purchasing COVID-19 protective equipment.
Source: BBC