Spanish PM Sánchez's wife loses passport as court orders corruption trial
A Spanish judge has revoked the passport of Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and ordered her to stand trial on corruption charges. The ruling has shaken the governing coalition and put fresh pressure on Sánchez's leadership. Euronews reported the case has drawn international attention.
An investigating judge in Madrid has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to surrender her passport immediately and ruled she must stand trial on corruption charges. Euronews and Deutsche Welle reported the charges concern alleged influence peddling and the irregular use of funds; Gómez has denied all the allegations.
The ruling has shaken the Sánchez government, whose coalition was already weakened by sustained pressure from the opposition Popular Party in parliament. South China Morning Post reported that the PP leader renewed his call for early elections, while coalition partner Sumar declined to comment.
Spanish public opinion sees the case as a fresh chapter in years of corruption controversies. Legal observers said the trial timetable points to hearings opening within six to twelve months. Sánchez, speaking at a press conference in Bilbao, called for "full respect for the judicial process" and dismissed any expectation that he would step down.
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