Wife of Spanish prime minister charged with corruption

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, has been formally charged with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation, according to a court ruling.

The probe is one of several corruption cases that have embroiled the Socialist leader's family and former allies, putting pressure on his minority coalition government.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Ms Gómez had exploited her position as Mr Sánchez's wife for private gain, which she and the prime minister deny.

The case centres on the creation and management of a chair at Madrid's Complutense University that was co-directed by Ms Gómez, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.

Judge Peinado said his investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal conduct by Gómez, 55, according to a ruling dated 11 April that was made public today.

He formally charged Ms Gómez with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, the ruling added.

"The chair served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation," the judge wrote.

It is now up to the courts to decide whether Mr Gómez will stand trial.

Ms Gómez, who is on an official visit to China with Mr Sánchez, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Sánchez has dismissed the allegations against his wife as an attempt by the right wing to undermine his government.

Opposition parties have called for his resignation.

The case originated from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with far-right ties.

The prime minister's brother, David Sánchez, has also been indicted in a separate investigation into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government.

Mr Sánchez's former right-hand man and former transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, went on trial this month over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts.