Photo by Carlos Delgado / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
A Madrid judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial on corruption-related charges, while also imposing a travel ban and ordering her to surrender her passport.
The Ruling
Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado announced the decision Saturday, ruling that sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial over Gómez’s professional and academic activities. As part of the order, Gómez must hand over her passport, refrain from leaving Spanish territory, and appear before the court twice each month until the case concludes.
The Charges
Gómez faces four allegations: influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, embezzlement, and misappropriation of funds. Investigators have focused on a university chair she co-directed at Madrid’s Complutense University, along with questions over public funds used to hire a consultant and software tied to her academic work. Gómez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, maintaining that her professional activity was lawful and independent of her husband’s political role.
Why the Travel Ban Now
Peinado had previously rejected similar restriction requests as premature, including ahead of a planned trip to the G-20 summit. This time, his order cited flight-risk concerns given the severity of the charges, reportedly raising the possibility that Gómez’s own security detail could assist an escape, either on its own initiative or under instruction. That suggestion drew a sharp rebuke from Spain’s national police union. The government had publicly opposed the new restriction beforehand, arguing it was unnecessary since Gómez lives under constant protection inside the secured Moncloa complex.
The Political Reaction
The ruling has deepened friction between the government and opposition. Sánchez and his Socialist party describe the case as a politically motivated campaign, noting it originated from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with ties to the political right. Opposition leaders have used the ruling to renew calls for accountability and, in some cases, early elections. Sánchez himself has not been charged.
What Has Been Confirmed
No verdict has been issued, and the passport surrender and travel ban are standard precautionary measures ahead of a Spanish trial, not a finding of guilt. Gómez remains free to move within Spain and continues to appear before the court as required.
What This Means
For the Sánchez government, the ruling adds fresh legal and political pressure at a time when it already governs with a fragile majority. With the case now formally headed to trial, it’s likely to remain a recurring flashpoint in Spain’s polarized political landscape in the months ahead.
