CGPJ to decide on sanction for judge who suggested police escorts could help Begoña Gómez flee

The controversial ruling

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado issued a ruling on Saturday opening an oral trial against Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, on charges of influence peddling, corruption between private individuals, misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds. As part of the same order, he imposed precautionary measures: withdrawal of her passport and an obligation to appear before the court twice a month. To justify the risk of flight, the judge wrote that her police security detail could facilitate an escape.

There is no doubt that those agents, whether on their own initiative or following orders from their superiors, could be precisely those who collaborate to facilitate that escape.

Outrage from police and government

The statement drew immediate fire. Police unions, led by Jupol and the Unified Police Union (SUP), demanded that Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska defend them. Hours after the ruling became public, Marlaska sent what he described as his "most energetic complaint" to the president of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), Isabel Perelló, and asked her to take the measures that "may be appropriate in the use of her powers".

the most energetic complaint

The government, which has been battered by a string of judicial setbacks, seized on Peinado's phrasing as evidence of the lawfare it claims is being waged against the Socialist party and the prime minister's family. Moncloa sees the judge's line about the police as a validation of its narrative of politically motivated judicial persecution.

Political reactions

PP vice-secretary for institutional regeneration Cuca Gamarra struck a careful balance on Sunday. She expressed the party's "absolute respect" for the judiciary and the CGPJ while also conveying full backing for the security forces. She called the anger among police associations "logical", pointing to officers who are demonstrating their professionalism and impartiality even while facing pressures that are under investigation by courts.

Absolute respect and support for our judges and the Judiciary, as well as full support and confidence in our Security Forces and Corps.

Gamarra stressed the PP would not interfere in the CGPJ's decision, drawing a contrast with what she portrayed as sustained government pressure on judges and police.

Judicial watchdog deliberates

The CGPJ held an urgent meeting on Sunday. Perelló proposed opening a disciplinary file for a serious offence against Judge Peinado, but no agreement was reached. The council will reconvene on Monday at 9:00 a.m. to decide whether to sanction the magistrate. While the body cannot review the legal merits of the ruling, the controversy centres on the judge's written justification for restricting Gómez's movement, which many view as an unnecessary slight against the police.

Analysts note that even if a sanction is imposed, it would likely amount to a modest fine, though the political cost for Sánchez's government remains high as it continues to frame the entire judicial process as part of a partisan campaign.