A Madrid court has issued a summons for Begona Gomez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to appear on July 5 as part of a corruption probe into her business ties. The court rejected prosecutors’ request to close the probe, indicating there is “sufficient” evidence to continue the investigation, which is seen as a setback for the premier.
The decision to open the probe is seen as a boost for Sanchez’s right-wing opponents who claim vindication of their corruption allegations. The court has summoned Gomez for suspected influence peddling and corruption based on a complaint filed by an anti-graft NGO linked to the far right.
The investigation is focused on Gomez’s ties to private firms receiving funds or contracts from the government during the pandemic, particularly her alleged relationship with Spanish tourism group Globalia. Sanchez has denounced the probe as a political campaign meant to discredit him.
Despite the pressure, Sanchez initially considered resigning but ultimately decided to stay on, leading the opposition to accuse him of political theater. The investigation continues as Gomez prepares to appear before the court on July 5.