Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Considers Resigning Amid Corruption Probe of Wife

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday that he is suspending his public duties and considering resigning from office after a court opened a preliminary investigation into corruption allegations against his wife, Begoña Gómez. The probe was launched in response to a complaint filed by the right-wing legal platform Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which accused Gómez of influence peddling and business corruption related to her alleged ties to private companies that secured government funding or public contracts.

In an emotional letter, Sánchez said he needs to "stop and reflect" on whether it is worthwhile for him to continue leading the government in the face of what he called a "mud pit" created by the right and far-right opposition parties. The prime minister blamed the attacks on his wife on a campaign of "harassment" led by "ultraconservative" media and supported by the conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox party.

Sánchez stated that the complaint against his wife appears to be based on "alleged information" published by right-wing digital media sites. He accused these outlets of spreading "spurious" allegations that led to the judicial probe. The details of the court's investigation are currently under seal.

Why this matters: The corruption allegations against Sánchez's wife and his potential resignation come at a tense political moment, just weeks before important regional elections in Spain and ahead of European Parliament elections in which the Socialist party was expected to perform well. The scandal adds to the uncertainty surrounding Sánchez's already fragile coalition government.

Sánchez said his wife will defend herself and fully cooperate with the judicial system to clear her name. The prime minister's announcement stunned the Spanish political establishment, effectively paralyzing the government until he reveals his decision on Monday. Sánchez's Socialist party expressed solidarity with him, while opposition parties criticized the move as an attempt to gain sympathy and avoid accountability.

Key Takeaways

• Spanish PM Sánchez suspends public duties, considers resigning over wife's corruption probe.
• Probe launched after complaint by right-wing group alleging Sánchez's wife's business ties.
• Sánchez blames "harassment" by conservative media, opposition parties for the allegations.
• Scandal comes ahead of regional and European elections, threatens Sánchez's fragile coalition.
• Sánchez's wife to cooperate with judiciary, while opposition criticizes move as sympathy ploy.