On Sunday, a prominent episode of a high-profile investigation involving the wife of the Prime Minister came to an end in the Spanish capital. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who heads Madrid’s 41st Investigative Court, decided to close the criminal proceedings against Judit Alexandra González Pedraz, the Secretary General to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The official came under scrutiny after allegations of possible misuse of public funds. The suspicions were triggered by the activities of one of the Prime Minister’s wife’s aides at the La Moncloa residence. Investigators examined whether this staff member was performing tasks outside her official duties—specifically, assisting Begoña Gómez in her private work related to her university post.
During the evening hearing, González Pedraz gave a detailed account of her role and reporting lines within the administration. After a half-hour inquiry, the judge concluded that she had no direct authority over the aide in question and therefore could not have issued instructions related to the subject of the investigation. On this basis, the case against the government secretary was closed immediately.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the prosecutor’s office and lawyers of other defendants, but only the aide’s own attorney had questions for González Pedras. After clarifying all the details, the judge announced that all charges against the official would be dropped.
Begoña Gómez Case: New Twists
Despite the closure of the episode with González Pedras, the main investigation continues. The spotlight remains on Begoña Gómez, who faces several serious charges, including influence peddling, corruption, unlawful use of a trademark, unauthorized professional activity, and embezzlement. In addition to her, the current government representative in Madrid, Francisco Martín, is also under investigation.
That same day, the court heard testimony from three more witnesses who had previously given statements in the case. Among them were a former vice-rector of Universidad Complutense de Madrid, the head of a major business institute, and a representative of an international IT company. Their testimonies are expected to help the court clarify the details of potential abuse of power and using official positions for personal gain.
What’s next?
The court’s decision regarding González Pedras sent a strong signal to the other participants in the process. It demonstrates that the investigation is ready to quickly respond to new developments and will not drag out cases if guilt cannot be established. Meanwhile, the fate of the main defendants remains uncertain, and public interest in the investigation shows no sign of fading.
