Spanish court bars PM Sánchez's wife from leaving the country

A Spanish court has ruled that Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, must stand trial before a jury on corruption charges and has prohibited her from leaving the country. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Gómez to surrender her passport and report to court twice a month until a verdict is reached, according to the decision.

The court announced that instructions will be issued to all border checkpoints, as well as civil and military airports, to ensure Gómez complies with the travel ban.

Peinado initiated an investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Gómez used her position as the prime minister's wife for personal gain, which she and her husband deny. The case centers on the creation and direction of a chair at the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as the use of public resources and personal connections to promote private interests.

In April, the judge formally accused Gómez of embezzlement, abuse of influence, corruption in business transactions, and misappropriation of funds. The case stems from a complaint filed by the anti-corruption organization "Hazte Oir".

Sánchez's brother, David Sánchez, is being investigated in a separate inquiry for abuse of influence related to his hiring by the Socialist-run provincial council of Badajoz.