A Spanish investigating judge summoned the wife of Spain’s prime minister to testify as part of an investigation into allegations that she used her position to influence business deals, according to AP News.
The court in Madrid announced the testimony on Tuesday. Begoña Gómez, the spouse of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is scheduled to appear in court on July 5 to answer questions.
Gómez has yet to comment, but Sánchez has repeatedly called it a “smear campaign.” It aimed to damage Spain’s left-wing coalition government, led by his Socialist Party, he stated.
The investigation is based on allegations against Gómez made by a group called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands). The group positions itself as a union, but its main activity is to create a platform for legal cases.
After an investigation started in April, Sánchez stated that he was considering resigning because of what he said was “an attack without precedent” against his wife. However, after five days of silence, Sánchez announced that he decided to remain in office.
Manos Limpias stated that its allegations against Gómez stemmed entirely from media reports.
If they are not true, it would be up to those who published them to admit to their falsehood, but if they are true, then we believe that the legal case should continue forward.
The Spanish prosecutor’s office recommended dropping the investigation, but a provincial court ruled that a lower court judge could continue the enquiry. The investigating judge will either adjourn the corruption case or recommend bringing it to trial.
Earlier this year, the Spanish government body overseeing conflicts of interest rejected a complaint filed by the Popular Party against Sánchez. The opposition party claimed Gómez influenced her husband in a decision involving the airline.
Gómez, 49, holds no public office and a low political profile. She studied marketing and participated in fundraising projects and non-governmental organisations.
