MADRID – Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has concluded the investigation into Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and has proposed putting her on trial for four separate criminal offences: influence peddling, corruption in business, embezzlement of public funds, and misappropriation.
In the same ruling, the judge also proposes trying Gómez’s former Moncloa advisor, Cristina Álvarez, for the same four offences, and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés for influence peddling and corruption in business.
Israel Reprimands Spain Over Explosion of Giant Netanyahu Effigy
The judge has ruled out the charge of professional intrusion (intrusismo profesional), stating there were only “weak and isolated indications” rather than solid evidence.
The decision comes exactly two years after the case was opened. Judge Peinado has now given all parties five days to submit their provisional conclusions regarding the opening of an oral trial, which would be heard before a popular jury.
Begoña Gómez is currently accompanying Prime Minister Sánchez on an official trip to China.
Key Allegations
Influence Peddling
The judge finds sufficient evidence to charge Gómez with using her position as the Prime Minister’s wife to secure a university chair (cátedra) at the Complutense University of Madrid. In a strongly worded section of the ruling, Peinado states that he cannot find any similar case in Spanish democracy, describing the alleged conduct as more typical of “absolutist regimes” long forgotten in Spain. He suggests the case may require a broad, teleological interpretation of Articles 428 and 429 of the Criminal Code.
The judge highlights several indicators, including a meeting at the Moncloa presidential complex between Gómez and the rector of the Complutense, Joaquín Goyache, who reportedly said he barely knew her except through the media and knew her mainly as “the wife of the President.” The rapid approval and creation of the chair, which allegedly served Gómez’s private professional development and provided her with remuneration, is also cited as evidence.
Corruption in Business
Peinado alleges that Gómez acted as the driving force behind attracting private funds, not genuinely for the public university chair, but allegedly for personal benefit. In exchange, companies allegedly received competitive advantages in public tenders linked to the influence of her husband as Prime Minister.
Embezzlement of Public Funds
The judge proposes trying both Gómez and Cristina Álvarez for embezzlement. He claims Gómez induced and benefited from Álvarez — a public employee paid by the Prime Minister’s Office — working as her personal assistant on tasks unrelated to her official duties.
Misappropriation
Gómez is also accused of misappropriating software developed within the university chair on “Competitive Social Transformation,” which she allegedly registered as her own property. Involvement of Juan Carlos Barrabés
The judge considers that Barrabés’ role went far beyond simply teaching two classes in the master’s program co-directed by Gómez. Evidence includes meetings at Moncloa Palace, strategic advice on the master’s content, and the timing of his support letters coinciding with public tenders involving companies linked to him.
Corruption scandals have Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cornered
Strong Judicial Language
In a notable passage, Judge Peinado invokes the Latin proverb “Corruptio optimi pessima” (“The corruption of the best is the worst”), suggesting that corruption involving those closest to the highest levels of power is particularly serious.
The case remains highly controversial and politically charged, coming at a sensitive time for the Sánchez government.
