Begoña Gómez sent to trial on four charges after a two-year investigation

A political earthquake has rocked Spain. Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was formally indicted on April 11 by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado. She faces four charges: active and passive corruption, influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds, and misappropriation of property. The indictment referring her to trial is 39 pages long.

A two-year investigation that culminates

Nothing was rushed. The magistrate investigated the case for over twenty-four months before taking action. At the heart of the accusations: an extraordinary professorship co-directed by Begoña Gómez at the Complutense University of Madrid. Officially intended to fund research, it allegedly served, according to the judge, as a vehicle to divert public funds to her personal assets.

The evidence gathered is substantial. The judge describes a coordinated and ongoing effort with several private companies, operating outside of traditional academic channels. Begoña Gómez and her assistant allegedly negotiated the agreements directly, monitored their implementation, and received financial benefits in return.

Influence peddling: proximity to power for profit

This is perhaps the most sensitive point of the case. Several partner companies allegedly benefited from privileged access to the Spanish administration due to their relationship with the wife of the Prime Minister. In exchange, they are said to have financed the controversial university chair.

One particularly damning piece of evidence: a letter of recommendation signed by Begoña Gómez was allegedly taken into account in the awarding of a major public contract. For the judge, this constitutes a clear case of influence peddling. The Prime Minister's wife is accused of using her position to favor businessmen in exchange for private financial gains.

Pedro Sánchez directly threatened?

For now, the Prime Minister is not implicated in this legal proceeding. But politically, it's a serious blow. Pedro Sánchez has led Spain since 2018 and had established himself as a central figure of the European left. This affair affects his wife, his home, and potentially his credibility.

The conservative opposition was quick to seize upon this. The People's Party is already demanding explanations. Some are even questioning whether Pedro Sánchez can continue to govern while his wife faces such serious accusations. The government's official response has so far remained measured: respect for the independence of the judiciary and the presumption of innocence.

Four charges, what are the sentences?

If found guilty, Begoña Gómez could face severe penalties. In Spain, corruption and influence peddling are punishable by prison sentences ranging from two to six years, depending on the circumstances. Misappropriation of public funds could add several more years. Finally, misappropriation of public funds would be subject to heavy fines and potentially a suspended sentence.

The trial date has not yet been set. The case must now be handed over to the public prosecutor's office, which will decide on the next steps in the proceedings. But one thing is certain: this investigation will change the political landscape in Madrid for weeks, if not months, to come.

A worrying precedent

This case is not isolated in Spain. In recent years, several relatives of high-ranking officials have been implicated in corruption or favoritism scandals. But the difference here is one of scale: it is the Prime Minister's wife herself who is targeted. And the evidence appears solid, detailed in 39 pages of meticulous legal analysis.

For 55-year-old Begoña Gómez, the legal battle is only just beginning. Between lawyers, media hearings, and political attacks, this case promises to be one of the major Spanish legal cases of 2026.