Spanish judge opens trial against PM's wife, faces disciplinary probe over police escape claim
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened an oral trial against Begoña Gómez, wife of PM Pedro Sánchez, and imposed strict precautionary measures. The CGPJ meets urgently today to consider disciplinary action after the judge suggested police could help her flee.
The judge's decision
On Saturday, Judge Juan Carlos Peinado issued an order opening oral trial against Begoña Gómez for alleged influence peddling, corruption between private individuals, misappropriation, and embezzlement of public funds. He imposed precautionary measures: withdrawal of her ordinary and diplomatic passports, a ban on leaving Spain, and a requirement to sign in at court every 15 days.
Those agents, either on their own initiative or following orders from their superiors, could be precisely the ones who collaborate to facilitate that escape.
Political and police backlash
The judge's suggestion that the police escort could help Gómez flee sparked outrage. Police unions Jupol and SUP called it an "intolerable, scandalous and miserable offense" and an "authentic barbarity". Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska lodged a formal complaint with CGPJ president Isabel Perelló, calling the remarks "a matter of maximum gravity".
Within the PSOE, some see the judge's actions as excessive and potentially mobilizing for their base.
The government has framed the case as part of a broader "lawfare" campaign against the left.In the end, Peinado will make Pedro win the elections.
CGPJ emergency meeting
The CGPJ's permanent commission convened urgently for 9:00 this morning to decide whether to open a disciplinary file against Judge Peinado for a "serious fault". Legal sources note that any disciplinary sanction would not automatically annul his judicial decisions, but could damage the institutional perception of the investigation.
- Judge Peinado opens oral trial and imposes precautionary measures, including passport withdrawal.
- CGPJ holds emergency meeting to consider disciplinary action against Judge Peinado.
Broader judicial pressure on the government
The Begoña Gómez case is one of several investigations affecting the Sánchez government. Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was recently indicted, and cases involving former minister José Luis Ábalos, party official Santos Cerdán, and the president's brother continue. The government has accused judges of politically motivated persecution, while judicial associations warn of rising tension and threats to the separation of powers.
