▲ Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his wife, Begoña Gómez
As a corruption scandal involving the family and close associates of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez continues to unfold, a court has ordered a travel ban on his wife, Begoña Gómez.
According to AFP and Reuters on Friday (local time), Judge Juan Carlos Peinado of the Spanish court ordered Gómez to surrender her passport and report to the court twice a month until a verdict is reached in her corruption trial.
Spanish investigative authorities launched an inquiry in 2024 into whether Gómez used her status as the Prime Minister's wife to pursue personal gain.
Gómez was indicted in April on charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, professional misconduct, and misappropriation of funds.
Prime Minister Sánchez, considered one of the leading left-wing figures in Europe, and his wife, Gómez, have denied all allegations.
Foreign media reported that these allegations were raised by far-right groups.
The ruling Socialist Party criticized the decision on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Gómez has been subjected to judicial and political persecution for two years, and this decision is an extension of that."
Several corruption allegations have emerged surrounding Prime Minister Sánchez's inner circle.
Previously, an investigation began into whether former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a political mentor to Sánchez, had lobbied public institutions on behalf of third parties, such as a small airline, to secure illicit profits.
In addition, former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, a close aide to the Prime Minister, and David Sánchez, the Prime Minister's brother, are also facing trials related to separate corruption cases.
The opposition is calling for Prime Minister Sánchez's resignation and early general elections.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.