A Spanish court has begun an investigation as to whether Begona Gomez, the wife of Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, committed crimes of influence (peddling and financial fraud) in her private financial transactions, according to a court statement released Wednesday.
The court did not offer any further details because the case is sealed and because it carries a preliminary status, in that it merely followed a complaint filed by the anti-graft campaign group “Manos Limpias” (Clean Hands), whose leader has ties to the far right.
According to Manos Limpias, Gomez exploited her influence as the Prime Minister’s wife to allegedly obtain sponsors for a graduate level university course she headed.
Sanchez addressed colleagues in Congress when the news was verified that he has faith in the legal system.
Manos Limpias brings criminal accusations against third parties using a unique Spanish legal device known as a “people’s accusation.”
Judges can decide whether or not to act on such accusations, and not every claim has resulted in a court probe. Nevertheless, some have, as Clean Hands’ charges against Princess Cristina–King Juan Carlos’ younger daughter–resulted in her conviction for tax fraud. Her spouse was later convicted of fraud and tax evasion, while she was cleared.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court rejected a case against Sanchez over the statute amnestying Catalan leaders involved in the region’s independence movement.
Vice-Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero countered, “It’s a false accusation by a far-right organization to slander and defame the government premiership.”
In Spain, politicians of all political leanings frequently bring forth eye-popping accusations against their adversaries, as well as against their family members and allies. Several high-profile scandals have resulted in corruption convictions.
Pedro Sanchez took office in 2018 after the previous Conservative administration lost a confidence vote due to a corruption scandal.