MADRID – Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to testify on Tuesday as a witness in a judicial investigation into alleged corruption and influence peddling against his wife, Begona Gomez. The case, which led Sanchez to consider resigning in April, has drawn significant public and political attention.
Under Spanish law, close relatives, including spouses, can refuse to answer questions when summoned by a judge. However, Sanchez has chosen to participate in the proceedings. The investigation focuses on whether Gomez used her position as the prime minister’s wife to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course she managed.
Sanchez has vehemently denied the accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated attacks orchestrated by right-wing opponents. “These claims are unfounded and part of a smear campaign,” Sanchez stated in a previous press conference.
The unprecedented proceedings took place at the government headquarters in La Moncloa palace, where Sanchez resides. Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado arrived on Tuesday morning to conduct the interview. The prime minister was accompanied by his legal counsel, representatives of the prosecutor, and a lawyer from the far-right party VOX. VOX has invoked “the people’s accusation,” a legal instrument allowing private individuals to bring criminal complaints against others.
Outside La Moncloa, a small group of protesters gathered, chanting slogans against Sanchez and his Socialist Party. The atmosphere reflected the deep political divisions in the country.
This marks the first time a sitting Spanish prime minister has been called to testify in a judicial case since former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in 2017. Rajoy’s testimony was part of a graft case that led to the conviction of several members of his conservative People’s Party and ultimately resulted in a 2018 vote of no confidence, paving the way for Sanchez to become prime minister.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Sanchez’s political future and the broader political landscape in Spain.