Court Orders Restrictions on Spanish PM's Wife Ahead of Corruption Trial

A Spanish investigative judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial on charges of corruption and influence-peddling. The order, issued Saturday, found sufficient evidence concerning her professional and academic activities to proceed to trial.

The court imposed precautionary measures requiring her to surrender her passport and prohibiting her from leaving Spanish territory.

She must also report to the court twice monthly until a verdict is reached. No trial date has been set. The proceedings are expected to involve extensive review of financial records and witness testimony. Under Spanish law, Gómez retains the presumption of innocence.

The investigation stems from a complaint filed by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias. Gómez is accused of using her position to influence government contracts awarded to technology companies. The judge also cited alleged misuse of public funds in the hiring of a consultant and the inappropriate use of software during her time as a professor at a public university.

A businessman who allegedly benefited from the contracts and the consultant will also stand trial.

Gómez's legal team stated that she is innocent and has been the target of a political and judicial witch hunt for two years. The ruling adds to existing scrutiny of the government over other corruption investigations involving figures in its orbit. Spain's former transport minister and the third-highest-ranking official in the governing party are under separate investigation for alleged kickbacks related to public works and pandemic-era contracts.