Why Spanish PM's Wife Has Been Banned From Leaving Country
Why Spanish PM's Wife Has Been Banned From Leaving Country Published By, Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 19:03 IST Spanish court orders Begona Gomez, wife
Why Spanish PM's Wife Has Been Banned From Leaving Country Published By, Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 19:03 IST Spanish court orders Begona Gomez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to stand trial on corruption charges, imposes travel ban, intensifying pressure on his government. Spanish court orders Begona Gomez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to stand trial on corruption charges, imposes travel ban, intensifying pressure on his government. (Image: AFP) A Spanish court has ordered Begona Gomez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to stand trial on corruption-related charges and barred her from leaving the country pending the outcome of the case. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado directed Gomez to surrender her passport and appear before the court twice every month until the trial concludes. Authorities have also been instructed to enforce the travel ban at all border crossings and airports.
No date has yet been announced for the trial, which is expected to have significant political implications for Sanchez’s minority coalition government. Charges Against Gomez Gomez was formally charged in April with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of public funds. The investigation centres on the creation and management of an academic chair at Madrid’s Complutense University, which Gomez co-directed. Prosecutors are examining whether she used her position as the prime minister’s wife to advance private interests and obtain undue benefits. Judge Peinado has alleged that the university position served as a platform for private professional development linked to Gomez. Both Gomez and Prime Minister Sanchez have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Political Pressure Mounts The case is one of several corruption-related investigations involving people close to the Spanish prime minister and has intensified pressure on his government.
When the probe into Gomez was launched in April 2024, Sanchez temporarily suspended his public duties for several days while considering whether to remain in office. The prime minister has consistently argued that the allegations are politically motivated and part of a campaign by right-wing opponents to destabilise his government. More Cases Haunt Sanchez Government The controversy comes as several other corruption cases involving current and former Socialist Party figures move through Spanish courts. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is under investigation over allegations linked to a 2021 airline bailout, while separate verdicts are awaited in cases involving former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos and Sanchez’s brother, David Sanchez. Zapatero has denied wrongdoing and Sanchez has publicly backed him. The growing number of investigations has provided fresh ammunition to Spain’s conservative and far-right opposition parties, which have renewed calls for Sanchez’s resignation and early elections.
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