In Badajoz, a new phase has erupted in the high-profile case involving David Sánchez, the brother of Spain’s current prime minister. The local court has decided not to uphold the appeals filed by the defendants, giving the green light for the trial to proceed. Among those implicated is the leader of the Extremadura socialists, Miguel Ángel Gallardo.
The judges determined that there is enough evidence to consider possible crimes related to administrative offenses and abuse of influence. The case now moves to the hearing stage, and this decision can no longer be appealed.
The prosecutor’s office had previously called for the case to be dropped. However, opponents from civic organizations and opposition parties insisted on penalties for David Sánchez and Gallardo, demanding three years of imprisonment for each. In a 64-page ruling, the court carefully analyzed the defense’s arguments and upheld the course of the investigation, highlighting that the evidence—including email correspondence and seized documents—points to serious violations.
Special attention was given to how the position occupied by David Sánchez was created. The court believes the vacancy was tailored to his personal interests, and also notes the pressure that was exerted to secure a job for another figure in the case—Luis Carrero.
The court also rejected the argument that Pedro Sánchez could not have influenced the creation of this position, noting that at the time he still held influence within the party. The investigation began in spring 2024 following allegations of possible violations and illicit enrichment, although the latter charge was later dropped. The judge believes that David Sánchez attempted to give the process an appearance of legality and used his connections to secure favorable conditions.
Miguel Gallardo, who heads the Badajoz administration and the regional branch of the Socialists, is named in the case as someone informed about and directly involved in the events.
