A new wave of debate has erupted within the Spanish Senate over the activities of the Complutense University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, UCM). This time, the focus is on the former Vice-Rector for Institutional Relations, Juan Carlos Doadrio. He was summoned to testify before a parliamentary commission that was initially tasked with investigating the Koldo case, but has since broadened its scope to include all matters involving the government and the inner circle of Pedro Sánchez.
Doadrio told senators that he felt compelled to initiate the creation of a department headed by the Prime Minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez. According to him, the decision was not made of his own volition but as part of his official duties. He emphasized that processing paperwork and complying with formal procedures were his top priorities, regardless of the candidate’s surname.
Questions about the department arose after the organization Manos Limpias filed a complaint against Gómez in April 2024. As a result, an investigation was launched into alleged offenses, including influence peddling, corruption, unlawful exercise of authority, and misuse of public funds. The case is being overseen by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado.
Appointment details
During the hearings, Doadrio noted that university regulations allow for the appointment of a department head who is not an employee of UCM, provided there is an exceptional decision by the rector. This provision was applied in the case of Gómez. According to the former vice-rector, the university’s legal department found no violations in the fact that Gómez does not have a higher education degree, since the exception made by the rector did not require such a qualification.
Doadrio also clarified that the promotion of the department itself was handled by Rector Joaquín Goyache, while his own role was limited to signing the necessary documents to launch the project. He emphasized that he acted strictly within his authority and did not go beyond established procedures.
Business ties
The investigation, launched following a complaint, is focused on analyzing the department’s activities and any possible connections between Gómez and companies that may have received government contracts or subsidies. Senators asked whether all internal university regulations were followed in creating the department and appointing its head, as well as how transparent the relationships were between the university and business entities.
Doadrio insisted that all decisions were made in accordance with current regulations, and legal review found no violations. He added that he made no distinctions between candidates and was guided solely by formal criteria when reviewing documents.
The role of the legal department
Special attention during the hearings was given to the opinion of the UCM legal department. Doadrio stated that the university’s lawyers had confirmed the legality of the exemption made by the rector and saw no grounds to refuse the appointment of Gómez as department head. According to him, if any irregularities had been found in the documents, he would not have signed them.
At the same time, senators continued to raise questions about the transparency of the process and the possible influence of the university leadership or external entities. Doadrio reiterated that he acted strictly within the scope of his duties and had no personal interest in Gómez’s appointment.
Expansion of the investigation
The Senate commission, initially established to examine the Koldo case, is now also considering other episodes involving the government and its inner circle. The hearings regarding the department led by Begoña Gómez have become one of the commission’s key moments, sparking significant public reaction and raising new questions for UCM’s leadership.
New sessions are expected soon, at which other university employees and representatives of companies mentioned in the investigation materials will be called to testify. Senators aim to determine whether there were any violations in the creation of the department or the appointment of its head, as well as the real motivations behind these decisions.
In case you didn’t know, Begoña Gómez is the wife of Spain’s current Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. She is known for her work in academic and business education, as well as her involvement in various social and educational projects. The department she led at UCM has come under close scrutiny following the launch of an investigation over suspected corruption and other irregularities. Gómez’s name regularly appears in the Spanish media amid debates over transparency and ethics in governmental and educational institutions.
