Begona Gomez, wife of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, must stand trial on multiple corruption charges, including embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds, a court ruled on June 20, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Gomez to surrender her passport, barred her from leaving Spain, and mandated that she report to court twice a month until the verdict [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. The trial date has not yet been set [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10].

The case centers on an academic chair at Madrid’s Complutense University that Gomez co-directed. Authorities allege she used public resources and personal connections for private gain in connection to this position [2, 5, 7, 10]. The investigation started in April 2024 following a complaint by an anti-corruption group linked to far-right circles [2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Gomez has denied any wrongdoing or illegal activity [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10].

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attempts by right-wing groups to undermine his government. He said, "These allegations are part of a campaign to remove me from office" and added he would "see out my term until 2027 despite opposition demands to resign" [1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Opposition parties have demanded Sanchez's resignation and called for early elections amid the growing corruption scandals [1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10].

Several of Sanchez’s close allies are also under investigation in separate corruption cases involving public works, energy contracts, and pandemic procurement. Former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is being investigated for suspected influence peddling linked to lobbying for the airline Plus Ultra [1, 2, 5, 7, 10].

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who ordered Gomez's trial, faces a disciplinary hearing for controversial remarks claiming Gomez’s police escort could aid her escape from Spain [11]. Justice Minister Felix Bolaños called the judge's comments "incomprehensible and anomalous" [11].

Sanchez temporarily suspended some public duties after the investigation began in 2024 but has refused to step down or call early elections [2, 10]. He is expected to appear in parliament soon to address the corruption allegations [11]. The trial of Begona Gomez remains pending with no set date.