The Digester
politics

Judge refers Begoña Gómez to jury in corruption probe

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado on April 1 notified the wife of Spain’s prime minister that the criminal case against her, her adviser and a businessman will go before a popular jury after a provincial court annulled his earlier order.

Mar 31st 2026 · Spain

Insights

  • Judge Juan Carlos Peinado notified Begoña Gómez, adviser Cristina Álvarez and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés that the case will go to a popular jury for the third time.
  • The Audiencia Provincial of Madrid annulled Peinado’s prior decision for lack of motivation, requiring him to reiterate the referral.
  • The statutory hearing will specify the formal charges and allow parties to argue for dismissal or further investigation.
  • Peinado says there are signs Gómez used her position as the prime minister’s spouse to promote a university chair and to suggest awards of public contracts.
  • Alleged offences include influence peddling, embezzlement, corruption in business, misappropriation and illegal practice, which the three accused deny.
  • The defendants argue the probe targets Gómez because she is the prime minister’s wife and have filed motions to archive the case, with responses that may take five to eight months; the judge faces mandatory retirement in September which could affect the timetable.

Sources