MADRID (AP) — A Spanish investigating judge has called the Spanish prime minister’s wife to testify as part of an investigation into allegations that she used her position to influence business deals, a court in Madrid said Tuesday.
Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, must appear in court on July 5 to answer questions.
Gómez has not yet spoken publicly about the case, but Sánchez has repeatedly called it a “smear campaign” to damage Spain’s left-wing coalition government led by his Socialist party.
The investigation is based on allegations against Gómez from a group called Manos Limpias, or “Clean Hands.” Manos Limpias describes itself as a trade union, but its main activity is the platform that pursues legal matters. Many have been associated with right-wing causes that target left-wing politicians, and most of them will never prosper.
After the investigation was launched in April, Sánchez stunned the nation by saying he would consider resigning over what he said was an “unprecedented attack” against his wife. After five days of silence, Sánchez said he had decided to remain in office.
Spanish prosecutors recommended dropping the investigation, but a provincial court ruled that the lower court judge could continue the investigation.
The investigating judge will submit or recommend the corruption investigation to appear in court.
Earlier this year, Spain’s government watchdog on conflicts of interest filed a complaint by the Popular Party against Sánchez, in which the opposition party alleged that Gómez had influenced her husband in a decision involving an airline.
Gómez, 49, does not hold public office and has a low political profile. She studied marketing and has been involved in fundraising projects and non-governmental organizations.
