Spain: PM Sanchez's wife must face corruption trial, judge rules
A Madrid judge has ruled that Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, must stand trial on charges of influence peddling and corruption. The ruling adds to political pressure on the prime minister's coalition. Gómez denies all the charges.
Deutsche Welle reported that Madrid judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Begoña Gómez to stand trial on charges of influence peddling, corruption and misuse of public funds. The ruling follows a two-year investigation.
The indictment turns on suspicion that Gómez used her husband's position to steer public and private sponsorship to a social transformation programme at Madrid's Complutense University. The judge said there was "sufficient initial evidence" after reviewing statements and documents. Gómez's lawyer described the charges as "politically motivated".
The Sánchez coalition is under pressure after a weak result in European parliamentary elections and the continuing rise of the far-right Vox party. Reuters reported that the ruling has sharpened calls for early elections from the opposition People's Party. A trial date is expected to be set in the coming weeks.
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