A Spanish court in Madrid orders Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial following a judge’s ruling that there is sufficient evidence for the case. Multiple outlets report that Gómez is accused of influence peddling and corruption related to allegations that she used her position as prime minister’s spouse to help secure work contracts for favored companies. Authorities also accuse her of misuse of public funds, including allegations connected to hiring a consultant and inappropriate use of software during her time as a professor at a public university, according to reports.
The judge’s decision also includes restrictions on Gómez’s movement while the proceedings continue. Sources agree that she is banned from leaving Spain and must surrender her passport. One outlet adds that the court requires her to appear in court twice a month until a verdict is reached.
Gómez has denied wrongdoing, and several reports state that the case was brought by far-right groups. The matter is described as one of several corruption investigations facing Sánchez.
