Wife of Prime Minister

Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is currently facing a pending trial following a two-year judicial investigation initiated in April 2024 by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado. She is charged with four counts: influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, embezzlement of public funds, and misappropriation. The case examines her role at the Complutense University of Madrid, specifically the solicitation of funds for a university chair she co-directed and her professional ties to businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés. Allegations include using her status to influence public officials, leveraging government-appointed staff for private projects, and securing preferential contracts. Gómez and the Prime Minister consistently deny all wrongdoing, characterizing the investigation as a politically motivated campaign by right-wing groups to undermine their government. While popular prosecutors have requested sentences of up to 24 years, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has repeatedly sought to dismiss the case, citing a lack of evidence. As of June 2026, the court has imposed restrictive measures, including a travel ban and mandatory check-ins, while awaiting trial. Previous allegations regarding Air Europa's government bailout and labor intrusion were dismissed during the investigation due to a lack of evidence.