Spanish Prime Minister’s Wife, Begoña Gómez, Ordered to Stand Trial

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Spanish Prime Minister's Wife, Begoña Gómez, Ordered to Stand Trial

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Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is set to face a jury trial on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement of public funds. Investigating magistrate Juan Carlos Peinado issued the order for an oral trial on Monday, September 21, 2026, bringing to a close the preliminary investigation that commenced in April 2024. This decision comes just days before Judge Peinado’s retirement on September 27.

The case centers on allegations that Ms. Gómez leveraged her relationship with the Prime Minister to advance her professional career and co-direct a program at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). It is also being investigated whether she utilized public resources and government staff for private interests. Specifically, reports indicate that software developed within the UCM chair, using university funds and personnel, had its internet domain transferred to Ms. Gómez in July 2023 as she established a private company. The UCM has stated losses of €113,509 and is seeking damages.

Ms. Gómez’s former aide at Moncloa, Cristina Álvarez, will also be tried as a necessary co-operator in the embezzlement charge. While the public prosecutor’s office has argued that the evidence does not establish a criminal offense and has sought her acquittal, private accusers, including the association Hazte Oír, are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for Ms. Gómez and six years for Ms. Álvarez. Ms. Gómez has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and her defense maintains that the chair followed university regulations, that she worked without pay, and that the platform remained accessible to the UCM. The Madrid Provincial Court had previously confirmed in July 2026 that Ms. Gómez would stand trial on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement.

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