The wife of Pedro Sanchez will stand trial before a jury over alleged influence peddling and misuse of public funds, a judge ruled on Monday.
Madrid investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado formally opened proceedings against Begoña Gomez, bringing an investigation that began in 2024 another major step towards trial.
Gomez denies wrongdoing, while prosecutors and her defence have argued that the case should be dismissed.
Her Moncloa assistant, Cristina Alvarez, will also face trial, but only over the alleged misuse of public funds.
What is Begoña Gomez accused of?
At the heart of the case is Peinado’s allegation that Gomez exploited her position and proximity to the prime minister to advance her professional interests, particularly those connected to her work at Madrid’s Complutense University.
The judge argues that Gomez simultaneously projected her status as the prime minister’s wife, her academic role and her relationships with companies and executives with links to the public sector.
Peinado alleges this gave her exceptional access to institutions and businesses which benefited her professional activities.
Gomez is also accused of improperly using Alvarez, an employee of the Prime Minister’s Office, to assist with private professional activities connected to her university work.
According to the judge, Gomez acted as the principal promoter and director of the project connected to her university chair and software developed through it, while Alvarez allegedly provided operational assistance involving meetings, communications, sponsors and university matters.
These remain allegations which will now have to be tested at trial. Gomez has maintained her innocence.
Case narrowed to two alleged offences
The investigation has been running for almost two and a half years after beginning in 2024 following a complaint by Manos Limpias.
Peinado had previously sought to pursue Gomez over four alleged offences, but the Madrid Provincial Court subsequently narrowed the proceedings. The case going to trial now concerns the alleged offences of influence peddling and misuse of public funds.
The trial will be heard before a popular jury, rather than solely by professional judges.
The popular prosecution led by Hazte Oir is seeking a 13-year prison sentence for Gomez, while the public prosecutor and the defendants dispute the accusations.
Government attacks decision
The Spanish Government reacted angrily to Monday’s development.
Sources from Moncloa said the government ‘condemns’ the decision and maintains that Gomez is innocent, describing the investigation as arbitrary and unjust.
The government claims Gomez has been subjected to judicial persecution because she is married to Sanchez and says it remains confident that her innocence will be established at trial.
It also criticised the timing of the latest ruling, which coincides with an international trip by the prime minister.
The opposition Partido Popular, meanwhile, criticised the government’s response and argued that innocence or guilt must ultimately be determined by the courts.
Monday’s decision closes the investigative phase of one of Spain’s most politically contentious court cases and clears the way for Gomez and Alvarez to face a jury.
