Pedro Sánchez Declines Corruption Testimony Linked to His Wife

— Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declined to testify before Judge Carlos Peinado on Tuesday regarding corruption allegations against his wife, Begoña Gómez. The judge visited the presidential complex in Madrid for the scheduled interview, but Sánchez exercised his legal right not to testify, a decision that lasted only minutes. Following this, the government filed a complaint against the judge, asserting the need to protect the institution of the presidency, according to government spokeswoman Pilar Alegría. The allegations stem from the legal activist group Manos Limpias, which claims that Gómez used her position to influence business deals. Historically, many of the group's cases have targeted leftist politicians and have often been unsuccessful. The questioning included participation from a public prosecutor and a lawyer from the far-right Vox party, marking a significant moment as it was the first time a sitting prime minister was questioned in such a manner. Sánchez has characterized the investigation as a “smear campaign” aimed at undermining his leftist coalition government. Despite a recommendation from Spain’s Public Prosecutors’ office to dismiss the case, a provincial court allowed the investigation to proceed. Peinado will ultimately decide whether to dismiss the allegations or advance the case to trial. In a surprising move earlier this year, Sánchez indicated he might resign due to what he described as an unprecedented attack on his wife, but later confirmed his intention to remain in office. Gómez, who maintains a low political profile, has been involved in fundraising and non-governmental organizations.