Spanish Prime Minister’s Wife Denies Wrongdoing in Court Testimony
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has denied any wrongdoing in court testimony related to an investigation into alleged corruption. Gomez’s appearance at a Madrid court comes during a frenzied week of legal activity in cases involving Sanchez’s inner circle.
Background
Gomez has been under investigation since April for alleged corruption and influence peddling related to her time working at Madrid’s Complutense University. The probe was opened following complaints from two groups with far-right ties – "Manos Limpias" (Clean Hands) and "Hazte Oir" (Make Your Voice Heard).
Testimony
Gomez, 49, only agreed to answer questions from her lawyer during the hearing, which lasted roughly half an hour. Her lawyer, Antonio Camacho, told reporters outside the court that Gomez "has always behaved in a correct manner, always in coordination with the Complutense University and at no time has he ever intermediated, in any way" for anyone to help them obtain public tenders.
Gomez had wanted to testify "from the very beginning of the proceedings, because she has nothing to hide", but had not done so until now "because there was a lack of clarity about what was being investigated", her lawyer added.
Legal Woes
The probe centres on allegations that Gomez exploited her position as Sanchez’s wife to obtain the co-direction of a master’s degree at Madrid Complutense University. She also allegedly abused her position to get private financing from businesses in exchange for her support for their bids in public tenders. The court is also looking into allegations that she illegally appropriated software financed by private companies and initially intended for the university, as well as its name, while she worked there.
Government’s Response
Sanchez has consistently defended the innocence of his wife and his government. He insists the accusations are part of a smear campaign by the conservative and far-right opposition.
Playing the Victim
During a debate in parliament, the leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Nunez Feijoo, accused Sanchez of "playing the victim before judges". In response, the prime minister replied that he was "convinced that the vast majority of judges in our country carry out their work with absolute rigour".
Conclusion
The investigation into Gomez’s alleged corruption is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. Meanwhile, the government is facing intense political pressure from the opposition, which has accused Sanchez of being embroiled in a web of corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the investigation into Gomez’s alleged corruption about?
A: The investigation centres on allegations that Gomez exploited her position as Sanchez’s wife to obtain the co-direction of a master’s degree at Madrid Complutense University, and that she abused her position to get private financing from businesses in exchange for her support for their bids in public tenders.
Q: What is the government’s response to the allegations?
A: Sanchez has consistently defended the innocence of his wife and his government, insisting that the accusations are part of a smear campaign by the conservative and far-right opposition.
Q: What is the next step in the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that further hearings and testimony will take place in the coming weeks and months.