Spanish Prime Minister suspends duties over wife’s corruption inquiry

Spanish Prime Minister suspends duties over wife’s corruption inquiry

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has temporarily stepped down from his public duties as he contemplates his future leadership role over ongoing corruption-related inquiry about his wife.

This decision comes in the wake of a preliminary court inquiry into allegations of corruption involving his wife, Begoña Gómez.

The court’s investigation followed accusations by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), known for its involvement in several high-profile cases and its connections to the far right. The group has raised concerns over Gómez’s activities, prompting judicial scrutiny.

In a heartfelt statement, Sánchez expressed the personal toll the allegations have taken, saying: “I need to decide urgently whether I should continue to lead the government or renounce this honour.”

He emphasised his wife’s commitment to defending her integrity, stating that, “My wife will defend her honour and work with the judiciary.”

The Prime Minister has announced that he will make a final decision on his political future by Monday, April 29. He reflected on the challenges of leading under such circumstances, remarking on the difficulty of governing “despite the mud” that he perceived as being slung by political opponents from the right and far right.