Spanish PM’s wife Begona Gomez ordered to stand trial on corruption charges, barred from leaving the country

A Spanish judge on Saturday ordered Begona Gomez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to stand trial on charges including influence peddling and corruption. The ruling marks a major development in a case that has been under investigation for nearly two years and has intensified political tensions in Spain.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ruled that Gomez must surrender her passport, report to court every two weeks, and is not allowed to leave Spain. The judge said there was a risk that she could flee the country while awaiting trial. A date for the trial has not yet been announced.

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Gomez denied such allegations

Gomez, 55, has consistently denied all allegations. She is accused of using her position as the prime minister's wife to influence the awarding of government contracts to certain technology companies. The investigation also alleges that she misused public funds in the hiring of a consultant and improperly used software while working as a professor at a public university.

The case began after a complaint was filed by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a pressure group with links to conservative and far-right causes. Gomez has been charged with influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds.

PM Sanchez denied such act

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly defended his wife, describing the case as a politically motivated campaign designed to damage his government. Members of his Socialist Party echoed that view, calling the investigation a "judicial and political persecution" and describing the latest ruling as "an absolute scandal for democracy."

Opposition calls for early elections

Leaders of the People's Party (PP) said the ruling raises serious concerns about the government and called for early elections. They accused Sanchez's administration of attacking judges, prosecutors, and the media while trying to silence political opponents.

The case is one of several corruption investigations involving people close to Sanchez. Although the Prime Minister himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing, his brother David Sanchez and former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos are also facing separate investigations.