Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has opted to remain silent concerning the corruption investigation involving his wife, Begoña Gómez. Sánchez exercised his legal right not to testify, instead proposing to provide written evidence, which Judge Juan Carlos Peinado declined. The judge insisted on questioning Sánchez in person, considering him primarily as Gómez’s spouse rather than as the Prime Minister. Subsequently, Sánchez invoked his right to remain silent under Article 118 of the Spanish Criminal Procedure Law.
The implications of this decision have sparked considerable debate. The Spanish General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) reported a lawsuit against Judge Peinado for alleged abuse of power. The activist group Manos Limpias criticized the CGPJ, claiming it was undermining judicial independence and addressing their concerns to the European Commissioner for Justice.
Despite these developments, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in May recommended the dismissal of the allegations against Gómez, citing insufficient evidence. However, local courts continue to investigate the matter. Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría dismissed the allegations as a “hoax” aimed at damaging Sánchez’s reputation.
These events follow Sánchez’s earlier decision to remain in office despite the allegations, which he faced with pronounced skepticism from various quarters. The full extent of the judicial and political ramifications remains to be seen as the investigation proceeds.
For a deeper dive into the unfolding events, you can read the original article on JURIST.