Spain PM's Wife Faces Corruption Trial, Barred From Leaving Country

Investigative judge Juan Carlos Peinado on Saturday ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime MinisterPedro Sánchez, to stand trial on corruption and influence-peddling charges.

Gómez has denied any wrongdoing. Sánchez and his allies within the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) have dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by right-wing opponents to weaken his left-led government. Meanwhile, opposition parties assert that the judicial process represents a necessary exercise in institutional accountability.

Trial and Travel Ban

The judge ruled that sufficient evidence exists to bring Gómez to trial regarding her professional and academic activities. Pending the commencement of proceedings, the court imposed several standard precautionary measures to mitigate flight risks such as:

• Passport Surrender: Gómez was ordered to immediately turn over her passport.
• Travel Ban: She is legally prohibited from leaving Spanish territory.
• Court Reporting: She must report to the court on a regular schedule.

El País reported that Gómez will appeal the precautionary measures imposed on her by the judge, according to sources close to her.

A trial date has not yet been scheduled. Proceedings are expected to take time given the scope of the case, which will require an extensive review of financial records and witness testimony. Under Spanish law, Gómez retains the presumption of innocence.

Allegations Explained

The investigation began after a complaint was filed from Manos Limpias, or Clean Hands, an anti-corruption group, with ties to Spain's political right. Gómez is accused of using her position to influence government contracts given to a group of technology companies. The judge also accused her of the misuse of public funds in the hiring of a consultant, and the inappropriate use of software while she was a professor at a public university.

Gómez has said her work was lawful and independent of her husband's role.

"Begoña Gómez is innocent," the PSOE said. "For two years now, she has been the target of a political and judicial witch hunt. Today's development is just the latest escalation."

Peinado also said that a businessman who allegedly benefited from the government contracts and the consultant that worked for Gómez will also stand trial.

Gómez’s Background

Prior to her husband assuming office in 2018, Gómez was a university lecturer and business professional who held roles focused on sustainability, innovation and partnerships between the public and private sectors.

She has been closely associated with programs at Complutense University, particularly initiatives aimed at linking academic research with industry. Her work has often involved collaboration with companies and institutions, which is now central to the scrutiny in the case.

As the spouse of Spain's prime minister, she has also taken part in official events and international trips, raising her public profile beyond her professional role.

The Political Impact

The ruling adds to scrutiny of Sánchez's government, which has faced criticism over other corruption cases involving figures in its orbit. Reuters reported that the prime minister’s former transport minister and the third highest-ranking official in the PSOE are under investigation for alleged kickbacks related to public works, oil and gas contracts and the procurement of masks during the pandemic. Both have denied the allegations.

Opposition leaders say Gómez’s case raises questions about how influence is exercised inside the prime minister's inner circle. Calls for accountability-and in some cases early elections-are likely to intensify as the case moves to trial.

Miguel Tellado, secretary-general of the main opposition People's Party, wrote on X that “not a day goes by without their scandal.”

He added: “Sánchez has turned the Moncloa into a den of criminals and the executive into a criminal organization. Spain deserves a government that doesn’t steal. Surrender and cooperate with Justice. Elections now.”

Sánchez, who is up for reelection next year, has not been charged in connection with the case involving his wife.

Trump-Spain Tensions

The case also follows tensions between Spain and President Donald Trump over the Iran war, highlighting broader strains between Washington and some European allies.

Spain's government under Sánchez was among the most outspoken European critics of U.S. military action in Tehran, opposing the use of Spanish bases and airspace for operations tied to the conflict. Trump has urged stronger alignment from NATO partners as the U.S. confronts Iran, while Spain has faced pressure over its approach to the conflict and military commitments. The disagreements have exposed divisions within the alliance over how aggressively to respond.

While Trump has not commented publicly on the case involving Gómez, the dispute underscores how political developments in Spain are unfolding against a wider backdrop of international friction and heightened geopolitical stakes.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 1:56 PM.