TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been ordered to stand trial on corruption charges, a court order released on Saturday said.
Begona Gomez is accused of using her position as the head of the government's wife to secure work contracts.
The case is one of several graft cases facing the PM's center-left minority government.
What do we know about the court ruling?
The court in Madrid agreed that there was sufficient evidence to bring Gomez's case to trial in front of a jury.
Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado told Gomez to surrender her passport, barred her from leaving the country and ordered her to report to court twice a month.
The court said "instructions shall be issued to all border posts and civilian and military airports" to ensure Gomez remains on home soil.
A date for the trial has not yet been set.
Sanchez's Socialist PSOE party reacted to the ruling on X, saying: "[Gomez] has been subjected to judicial and political persecution for two years. Today's development is another step in that process."
How did the case against Gomez unfold?
The case began with a complaint filed by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a legal pressure group set up by a lawyer with ties to the far right.
An investigation was opened in April 2024 to decide whether Gomez had exploited her position as Sanchez's wife for private gain.
It centers on an academic chair at Madrid’s Complutense University that Gómez co-directed, along with allegations that she used public resources and her connections to advance private business interests.
Gomez was formally charged in April with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds.
She has denied the allegations, while Sanchez has repeatedly refused to step down and call early elections.
Other scandals engulf allies and family
Several senior figures close to Sanchez, including the PSOE's number three and his former transport minister, are also under investigation over alleged kickbacks linked to public works contracts, oil and gas deals and the procurement of COVID-19 masks.
All those involved deny any wrongdoing.
Separately, Spain's High Court is investigating former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero over allegations that he headed a lobbying network which profited from influencing public authorities on behalf of third parties, including the airline Plus Ultra.
Zapatero denies the claims.
The cases threaten to bring down Sanchez's fragile coalition government, which came to power in 2018 promising to clean up Spanish politics after toppling the conservative Popular Party (PP) in a no-confidence vote over its own corruption scandal.
Read: Spain Sees Tourism Windfall From Pope Leo's Papal Visit
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Top 10 Most Walkable Cities in the World: Rome, Berlin, and More
4 hari lalu
From historic streets and cultural districts to vibrant neighborhoods, these most walkable cities in the world are best explored on foot.
2026 World Cup Surprise: Cape Verde Hold Spain to Goalless Draw
4 hari lalu
Spain displayed a dominant performance throughout the match, controlling 74 percent of possession against Cape Verde in a 2026 World Cup match.
Pope Leo Bows to Migrants' 'Dignity' in Gran Canaria
9 hari lalu
The Pope visited Arguinegun, a Canary Islands migration hotspot, saying Europe can't uphold dignity while the Mediterranean is an "unmarked grave."
Spain Sees Tourism Windfall From Pope Leo's Papal Visit
10 hari lalu
Pope Leo arrived in Spain on June 6, marking the first papal visit to the country in 15 years.
10 Stunning Beaches to See Solar Eclipse in Spain
10 hari lalu
With the path of totality sweeping across northern and eastern, these scenic beaches to see solar eclipse in Spain turn into popular tourist spots.
Pope Leo in Spain: More Than a Million Line Madrid Streets
13 hari lalu
Huge crowds welcomed Pope Leo XIV in Madrid on Sunday as he began a five-day Spain visit meeting migrants and the homeless, promoting "human values."
Pope Leo to Focus on Immigration, Social Justice in Spain
14 hari lalu
Pope Leo XIV begins a weeklong visit to Spain, focusing on Europe's Christian heritage and meeting clergy abuse survivors.
2026 Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible in Spain with a Catch
16 hari lalu
Spain will have front-row seats for the 2026 solar eclipse, but a unique challenge could spoil the experience for unprepared viewers.
Spain Holds Iraq to 1-1 Draw at 2026 World Cup Friendlies
16 hari lalu
At home, in a friendly match for the World Cup, Spain took the lead through Ferran Torres' goal before Merchas Doski equalized.
Where Is Real Madrid in Spain's 2026 World Cup Roster?
25 hari lalu
Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, has announcedhis players for the 2026 World Cup. Where are the Real Madrid stars in the roster?
