Pedro Sanchez and Begona Gomez: Spanish Prime Minister Considering Resignation Following Wife’s Corruption Allegations

The Spanish Prime Minister expressed the need to pause and reflect on whether to continue leading the government or relinquish his position in a letter posted on a social media platform, formerly Twitter. He announced his intention to make the decision public on Monday and suspend his activities until then. A Madrid court revealed that an investigation had been initiated on allegations of influence peddling and corruption against Begona Gomez in response to a complaint by an anti-corruption group.

The probe was linked to Gomez’s purported connections with private companies receiving government funding or winning public contracts. The investigation also explored her ties with Spanish tourism group Globalia, specifically regarding bailout negotiations with the government during the Covid-19 crisis. The opposition Popular Party (PP) strongly criticized the announcement, insinuating that the investigation was motivated by political reasons due to Gomez’s relationship with the Prime Minister.

Furthermore, other individuals and companies were also implicated in the ongoing investigations, including a consultant with ties to Gomez, who was awarded a substantial public contract. During a parliamentary session, Sanchez reiterated his faith in the Spanish justice system, while PP officials demanded further explanations from the Prime Minister and criticized the government’s response to the investigation. The tensions between the ruling party and the opposition intensified, with the PP warning of potential parliamentary and judicial investigations if the Prime Minister did not provide satisfactory explanations.

In response, the government condemned the investigation as an attempt by the far right to defame the Prime Minister and undermine Spain’s democracy.