Spain. Wife of Pedro Sánchez under investigation for alleged influence peddling and corruption

This text was originally published in Portuguese in Observador

The preliminary investigation was opened on April 16. At issue is the alleged favoritism by Begoña Gómez toward a company in public contracts. Pedro Sánchez says he still "believes in justice."

Begoña Gómez, wife of Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, is under investigation by an examining court following allegations of influence peddling and corruption, reported ABC newspaper on Wednesday. The case concerns the alleged favoritism of a company in public contracts. Sánchez says he still "believes in justice."

According to the complaint, reported by Spanish newspapers, Begoña Gómez allegedly signed a letter, while co-director of the Master’s in Fundraising at the Complutense University of Madrid, validating the added value of a company owned by Carlos Barrabés in a public tender, which the company ultimately won.

The complaint was filed a few days ago by the union Manos Limpias, which represents public employees and has previously filed other complaints, some of which were unsuccessful. Madrid’s 41st Examining Court received the complaint and opened the preliminary investigation on April 16. The investigation remains confidential while witnesses are being summoned.

“On a day like today, and despite the news I have heard, despite everything, I still believe in the justice of my country,” Sánchez declared when questioned in parliament by Gabriel Rufián, spokesperson for the Republican Left of Catalonia, about the judicial process opened against his wife.

Photo: Fernando Villar/EPA