Spanish judge orders trial for Begoña Gómez in corruption probe

Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado’s decision escalates a high-stakes legal battle that has dogged the Socialist leader for months. Prosecutors are examining whether Gómez leveraged her proximity to the prime minister to secure professional contracts. While Gómez maintains her innocence, the case originated from complaints filed by far-right organizations, prompting Sánchez to characterize the proceedings as a targeted political campaign designed to destabilize his administration.

Legal pressure is mounting for the Socialist Party, as several key allies face separate inquiries into alleged kickbacks involving public works and pandemic-era procurement contracts. Beyond the prime minister’s inner circle, the High Court is also scrutinizing former leader Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero regarding claims of an illicit lobbying network. Sources close to the defense indicate that Gómez intends to appeal the court’s travel restrictions, while party officials continue to decry the situation as a two-year campaign of judicial harassment.