David Sánchez, brother of Spain’s Prime Minister, was banned from public office for nine years. The government calls the verdict a political move and plans to appeal. Officials insist there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
The Spanish government has moved quickly to defend David Sánchez, brother of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after the Audiencia de Badajoz sentenced him to nine years of disqualification from public office for administrative misconduct. The verdict, which relates to his appointment at the Diputación de Badajoz, has triggered a wave of statements from senior officials, who argue the case is being used as a tool to undermine the executive.
News of the court’s decision reached the Prime Minister while he was attending France’s national day military parade in Paris. Despite visible frustration within the government, spokesperson Elma Saiz emphasized that while the ruling is respected, it is not shared. She highlighted that the prosecution had found no evidence of criminal conduct and had requested acquittal, reinforcing the government’s belief that higher courts will ultimately confirm David Sánchez’s innocence.
Government sources have described the sentence as unjust and lacking in proof, noting that the court did not establish any undue pressure or influence in the hiring process. David Sánchez is expected to appeal the decision. Within the executive, there is a strong sense that the case is part of a broader campaign aimed at destabilizing the government by targeting the Prime Minister’s family. Transport Minister Óscar Puente remarked that this period will be remembered for the strain placed on institutions in an effort to bring down the administration.
From La Moncloa, officials insist that the proceedings have a single objective: to damage the Prime Minister through his relatives, framing the case as politically motivated. In the Congress, Socialist spokesperson Patxi López called the ruling “an outrage” and denounced what he described as a “witch hunt” against the head of government. The Socialist Party has reiterated its support for David Sánchez, Miguel Ángel Gallardo, and the technical staff also convicted, with Rebeca Torró, the party’s Organization Secretary, affirming their full backing.
The controversy in Badajoz has drawn national attention, especially as the government maintains that the prosecution’s own assessment did not support the charges. This aligns with earlier developments in the case, as detailed in coverage of the initial court ruling against David Sánchez and other officials. The ongoing legal battle is expected to continue as appeals move forward.
Administrative misconduct, or prevaricación, is a criminal offense in Spain that involves knowingly issuing an unjust administrative act. Sentences can include bans from holding public office, as seen in this case. The outcome of the appeal process will be closely watched, given the political implications and the involvement of the Prime Minister’s family. The case also highlights the broader debate in Spain over the intersection of politics and the judiciary, especially when high-profile figures are involved.
