Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Considers Resigning Amid Corruption Probe Involving Wife

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday that he is suspending all public duties and considering resigning from his position after a court launched a preliminary investigation into his wife, Begoña Gómez, over allegations of influence peddling and corruption. Sánchez stated that the seriousness of the attacks against him and his wife warranted a measured response, and he will appear before the media on Monday, April 29, to announce his decision on whether to continue leading the government.

The investigation into Gómez was initiated following a complaint filed by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias, which accused her of using her influence as the prime minister's wife to secure sponsors for a university master's degree course she ran. Sánchez has defended his wife, insisting that the allegations are false and part of a broader campaign of "harassment and destruction" against him by right-wing forces in the country.

In an emotional letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sánchez wrote, "I need to stop and think about whether I should continue to head the government or give up this honor." He accused online news sites politically aligned with the opposition conservative Popular Party and the far-right Vox party of spreading "spurious" allegations that led to the judicial probe.

Why this matters: The possibility of a governmental crisis comes just weeks before important regional elections in Catalonia and European elections in June. Sánchez's resignation could have significant implications for Spain's political landscape and its representation in the European Parliament.

The surprise announcement has added to the political uncertainty surrounding Sánchez's minority coalition government, which has faced policy paralysis since mid-2023. If Sánchez were to step down, it is unlikely that another prime minister would prevail in the fractured parliament, making a new general election more likely.

Sánchez, known as a shrewd political operator, has faced various scandals during his tenure, including a corruption scandal related to the purchase of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and criticism for a controversial amnesty law pardoning Catalan separatist politicians. Despite these challenges, he has managed to stay in power through deals with smaller parties, including Catalan separatists.

The court in Madrid will now consider the allegations against Gómez and proceed with the investigation or dismiss the case. Sánchez has expressed his belief in the Spanish judicial system, while the Justice Minister has called the new allegations "false." The prime minister's decision to halt public duties and consider resigning has elicited swift declarations of support from his colleagues, but critics have called for him to provide a full explanation of the scandals rather than "disappearing for five days."

Key Takeaways

• Spanish PM Sánchez suspends public duties, considers resigning over wife's corruption probe
• Probe launched after complaint alleging Sánchez's wife used influence to secure sponsors
• Sánchez accuses right-wing media of spreading "spurious" allegations against him
• Resignation could trigger political crisis before regional and European elections
• Court to investigate allegations against Sánchez's wife, who he defends as innocent