Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain’s prime minister, has replaced her defense lawyer. The move comes as a Madrid court confirms her upcoming jury trial for influence peddling and embezzlement.
Begoña Gómez, spouse of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has made a significant change to her legal team just as her high-profile jury trial moves forward in Madrid. According to sources close to Gómez, she has ended her collaboration with Antonio Camacho, the former Socialist minister who had represented her since the start of the case in 2024. The decision, described as mutual, was promptly communicated to the court presided over by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado. From now on, Gómez will be represented by Jaime Campaner, a lawyer with experience in complex criminal proceedings.
The shift in legal strategy comes at a critical moment. The Provincial Court of Madrid recently authorized the continuation of the case against Gómez, confirming that she will face a popular jury on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement. While the court upheld Judge Peinado’s decision to send Gómez to trial, it dismissed two other accusations—business corruption and misappropriation of funds—that had initially been brought against her. This development narrows the scope of the prosecution but keeps the most serious allegations in play.
Antonio Camacho’s tenure as Gómez’s lawyer was marked by a series of heated exchanges with Judge Peinado. At one point, the judge imposed a fine on Camacho, though this sanction was later overturned by the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid. Despite the contentious atmosphere, sources close to Gómez have expressed gratitude for Camacho’s dedication and efforts throughout the proceedings.
The legal proceedings against Gómez have drawn national attention, not only because of her relationship to the prime minister but also due to the rare use of a jury trial in cases involving alleged political influence. The charges of influence peddling and embezzlement are considered serious offenses under Spanish law, carrying potential prison sentences if proven. The case has also highlighted the tensions between the judiciary and high-profile defendants, a theme that has surfaced in other recent legal battles involving political figures. For example, scrutiny over judicial processes and party-linked investigations was evident when PSOE staff testified about internal authorizations at the party’s Madrid headquarters, intensifying debates about the intersection of politics and the courts.
Jury trials remain relatively uncommon in Spain, especially in cases involving public figures or allegations of political corruption. The Spanish legal system typically reserves such proceedings for specific types of criminal cases, and the decision to proceed with a jury in Gómez’s case underscores the gravity and public interest surrounding the matter. As the trial date approaches, attention will focus on how the new defense strategy unfolds and whether the narrowed charges will alter the dynamics of the case. Updates are expected as the court schedules further hearings and both sides prepare their arguments.
