Spain’s First Lady Faces Corruption Trial, Ordered to Surrender Passport

A Madrid court has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial over allegations that she used her position as Spain’s first lady to secure advantages and contracts for private interests.

The ruling, issued by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, also imposed strict conditions on Gómez pending trial, including the surrender of her passport, a ban on leaving Spain and an order requiring her to report to court twice every month.

According to the court, the restrictions were necessary to prevent any potential attempt to leave the country while legal proceedings continue.

The judge further directed authorities at border crossings, airports and other exit points to ensure compliance with the travel ban.

The case stems from allegations linked to an academic chair at Madrid’s Complutense University, which Gómez co-directed. Investigators are examining claims that she improperly used public resources, official connections and her status as first lady to benefit private business interests.

Gómez was formally charged in April 2026 with offences including embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds.

The investigation began in April 2024 following a complaint filed by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a legal pressure group known for pursuing high-profile public interest cases.

In its ruling, the court said there was sufficient evidence to warrant a full trial, though a date for the proceedings has yet to be announced.

Gómez has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the allegations as politically motivated and dismissing the case as an “obscene farce.”

Prime Minister Sánchez has also strongly defended his wife, accusing political opponents and sections of the media of orchestrating a campaign against his family. He has previously questioned the impartiality of some members of Spain’s judiciary involved in the case.

Reacting to the court decision, the governing Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) said Gómez had been subjected to sustained political and judicial persecution.

“Begoña has been subjected to judicial and political persecution for two years. Today’s development is another step in that process,” the party said.

The case is expected to remain a major political issue in Spain as the trial approaches, with opposition parties demanding accountability while the government continues to insist the allegations are without merit.