The investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado has concluded the years-long investigative phase in the case against Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and has initiated proceedings to open a criminal trial. After around two years of investigations, the court considers there to be sufficient evidence for four possible offences – a step that moves the politically highly sensitive case into a new phase.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The four charges against Begoña Gómez
According to the court, Gómez is accused of:
- Influence peddling (tráfico de influencias)
- Misappropriation of public funds (malversación de caudales públicos)
- Business corruption (corruption in business dealings)
- Unlawful appropriation of a trademark
The charge of professional misconduct (intrusismo profesional) was, however, dropped, as the judge found there was insufficient evidence.
What the case is essentially about
At the centre of the investigation is Begoña Gómez’s professional activity within the sphere of the Complutense University of Madrid, in particular the establishment and management of a university chair.
The judge sees indications that:
- her personal proximity to the Spanish Prime Minister may have played a role
- institutional resources may have been used for private or professional gain
- contacts with businesspeople and public institutions may have influenced funding and projects
According to the case file, the suspicion also extends to the use of contacts within the government and the university.
A case with political significance
Since its opening in 2024, the case has developed into one of the most politically sensitive proceedings in Spain. The investigation into the prime minister’s wife has already sparked an intense debate about the boundaries between the judiciary and politics.
The opposition speaks of a possible case of institutional influence, while the government and parts of the legal community criticise the evidence as insufficient.
Next steps: possible jury trial
With the conclusion of the investigation, a decision on whether to open criminal proceedings is now imminent.
If proceedings are opened, the case would be heard before a jury court – a form of criminal justice that is relatively rarely used in Spain for such cases.
The parties involved have only a few days to respond and submit their final statements.
Other parties involved in the proceedings
In addition to Begoña Gómez, other individuals are also implicated:
- a staff member within the government’s circle
- a businessman in the field of innovation and technology
They are also alleged, depending on their respective roles, to be involved in some of the aforementioned charges.
Political reactions: between criticism and defence
The judge’s decision immediately triggered strong reactions:
- The government speaks of a politically charged case
- Critics accuse the court of an overly broad interpretation of the evidence
- Supporters of the investigation, on the other hand, see it as a necessary step towards clarification
The case is also attracting increasing international attention, as it directly involves the circle of the incumbent Spanish Prime Minister.
Context
It is important to note, from a legal perspective:
- It is not a verdict, but a formal indictment following the completion of the investigation
- The presumption of innocence still applies
- Only a possible trial will determine guilt or innocence
Conclusion
The Begoña Gómez case marks a decisive turning point: a lengthy investigation is now becoming a potential criminal trial against the wife of the Spanish Prime Minister.
Whether a trial will actually take place and how strong the charges will hold up in court remains the key question – a politically and legally highly sensitive case that is likely to continue to occupy Spain.
