David Sánchez Testified on Job Creation and Friend Hiring Case in Badajoz. In the Badajoz court, David Sánchez denied influencing the creation of his position or the hiring of a friend. He stated that his office was an administrative role, not a physical space. The court is reviewing allegations of abuse of authority.
A high-profile trial is ongoing in Badajoz, with David Sánchez Pérez-Castejón—the brother of Spain's current Prime Minister—at its center. During the hearing at the provincial court, Sánchez delivered brief testimony, answering only his lawyer’s questions. The main point emphasized was that the 'Performing Arts Office' at the Diputación de Badajoz was not a separate building or office, but solely an administrative category.
The court is examining allegations of abuse of power and possible misuse of office in the creation of a position for Sánchez, as well as the hiring of his longtime acquaintance Luis Carrero. According to the prosecution, this could lead to a prison sentence of up to three years. Sánchez stressed that he had no influence over the creation of his own position and did not participate in the selection process for the vacancy eventually filled by his friend.
During questioning, the lawyer asked Sánchez in detail about the nature of his work. He explained that he initially worked in the library, and after returning from parental leave, was forced to share workspace with other employees. According to him, the change in his job title from music events coordinator to head of the 'Performing Arts Office' happened without his involvement and was the result of an internal shift in responsibilities.
Particular attention was paid to the episode involving the hiring of Luis Carrero, who previously worked in the communications department at Moncloa. Sánchez stated that he could not influence the selection process and learned about the vacancy by chance. He acknowledged maintaining a personal relationship with Carrero, and also confirmed that Carrero had provided him with informal and unpaid assistance prior to his official employment. Sánchez explained that the correspondence in which he allegedly informed his friend of the job in advance was a mistake—he believed that the competition had already been officially announced.
The court decided not to consider the charge of illegal appointment, as the defense had requested. Questions regarding the details of the candidate selection and a possible rental of accommodation on the day of document review were not raised. According to RUSSPAIN, Sánchez's case has become one of the most discussed in the region, and its course is compared to other high-profile proceedings, such as when a candidate for president of Real Madrid promised to have transactions notarized.
For reference: Diputación de Badajoz is a key governing body of the province, responsible for cultural and social projects. Similar cases of potential abuses in regional administrations have come under close scrutiny in recent years not only in Extremadura, but throughout Spain. In 2026, the issue of transparency in public sector hiring remains one of the most pressing topics for Spanish society.
