Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been summoned to testify as a witness in a corruption investigation centered on allegations against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court announced on Monday that Sanchez will be interviewed by investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado at the Moncloa Palace on July 30.
The investigation is examining whether Gomez, in her role as the premier’s spouse, used her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course she administered. Judge Peinado indicated that Sanchez’s testimony is deemed essential to determine if any influence peddling occurred.
Gomez appeared before the judge on Friday but chose not to answer questions. Her lawyer, former Interior Minister Antonio Camacho, stated that Gomez’s refusal to testify was based on legal advice and not due to any wrongdoing. Camacho criticized the process, calling it “groundless.”
The investigation has intensified tensions for Sanchez, who considered resigning in April following the case’s emergence but ultimately decided to remain in office. Sanchez has vehemently denied the allegations against his wife, claiming they are unfounded and politically motivated.
This case marks the first time a sitting Spanish prime minister has been called to testify in a judicial investigation since Mariano Rajoy was summoned in 2017 over a corruption case involving his conservative People’s Party.
The complaint against Gomez was filed by Manos Limpias, an anti-corruption group led by Miguel Bernad, who has previously run for a far-right party. The far-right party Vox also joined the case, with European lawmaker Jorge Buxade advocating for Sanchez’s testimony in the matter.