A Madrid judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of the Prime Minister, to stand trial and surrender her passport. The decision has triggered a fierce backlash from government officials and the PSOE.
The Spanish government and leading PSOE figures have sharply condemned a decision by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado to open a criminal trial against Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and to confiscate her passport. The move, which also requires Gómez to report regularly to the court, has ignited a political storm in Madrid and across national institutions.
Judge Peinado justified the passport seizure by citing concerns that Gómez’s official police escorts could potentially facilitate her departure from Spain. This reasoning has been met with disbelief and anger from government sources, who argue that the judge’s actions are politically motivated and lack legal foundation. According to statements from La Moncloa, the ruling demonstrates what they describe as “persecution, obsession, and disproportion” in the judicial process, claiming the investigation has no legal merit and is driven by political motives.
Prominent PSOE ministers and party leaders have taken to social media to voice their outrage. The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, labeled the situation as “IGNOMINIA,” while Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López called it an “unprecedented outrage.” Presidency Minister Félix Bolaños described the day as disastrous for those who believe in justice. The party’s official channels have reiterated Gómez’s innocence, emphasizing that she has faced two years of judicial and political pursuit. The hashtag #YoConBegoña has gained traction among socialist leaders, with former Finance Minister María Jesús Montero calling the decision excessive and more akin to a political trial than a fair legal process.
Government representatives have also highlighted inconsistencies in judicial treatment, pointing to a previous case where Judge José Luis Calama of the Audiencia Nacional refused to seize the passport of former Prime Minister Zapatero during the Plus Ultra investigation. This contrast has fueled further criticism of Judge Peinado’s technical competence and impartiality. PSOE spokesperson Patxi López questioned the oversight of the judiciary, suggesting that Peinado’s actions reflect a broader issue within the system.
Opposition parties have responded differently. The Partido Popular’s secretary general used the occasion to renew calls for early elections, accusing the government of being embroiled in scandal and likening La Moncloa to a criminal organization. He noted that Gómez must now sign in at court and is barred from leaving Spain. Meanwhile, Vox, which is participating in the case as a popular prosecutor through the association Hazte oír, welcomed the judge’s decision, noting that they had repeatedly requested such measures in the past.
This is the first time Judge Peinado has granted the passport seizure requested by far-right groups involved in the case. The development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Begoña Gómez and has intensified the political divide over the judiciary’s role in high-profile cases involving government figures.
For context, Spain’s judicial system allows judges to impose precautionary measures, such as passport confiscation, when there is a perceived risk of flight. However, such measures are typically reserved for cases with substantial evidence or clear risk, making the current decision particularly controversial. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over judicial independence and political influence in Spain, especially when it involves individuals closely linked to the country’s leadership.
