Spanish PM's Wife Cleared of Corruption Charges as Accuser Admits Allegations Based on Press Reports

The Madrid Provincial Prosecutor's Office has requested that the investigation into Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, be dropped due to a lack of evidence supporting the allegations of influence peddling and corruption. The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by the right-wing Manos Limpias union, which accused Gómez of taking advantage of her relationship with Sánchez to recommend or endorse businessmen applying for public tenders.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the Manos Limpias secretary general admitted that the complaints against Gómez were based on press reports and might have been "fake news." The union stated that it filed the complaint after observing that the Public Prosecutor's Office did not act on the allegations published in several digital newspapers. Despite this admission, the union defended its actions, claiming it was exercising a constitutional right and criticized Sánchez's reaction, describing it as a "witch hunt and personal smear campaign from the right-wing and far-right."

The Prosecutor's Office has criticized the judge for not informing them about the investigation, which is the normal protocol in such cases. Sánchez has received strong support from his PSOE socialist party throughout the proceedings, while opposing parties have called for his resignation over the allegations against his wife.

Why this matters: The case against Begoña Gómez has significant political implications, as it directly involves the spouse of the Spanish Prime Minister. The admission by the accuser that the allegations were based on potentially false press reports raises questions about the motives behind the complaint and the integrity of the legal process.

In response to the allegations and the ongoing investigation, Sánchez announced that he would be taking a break from public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he wanted to continue in his role as Prime Minister. The Prosecutor's Office's request to drop the investigation, citing a lack of evidence, may provide some relief to Sánchez and his wife, but the political fallout from the case is likely to continue.

The Manos Limpias union, which filed the complaint, has been criticized for its actions, with some accusing the organization of pursuing a politically motivated agenda. "The union admitted that its complaint may be based on 'fake news' and 'journalistic reports'," the secretary general stated, highlighting the questionable nature of the allegations.

Key Takeaways

• Madrid prosecutor's office requests investigation into PM's wife be dropped.
• Accuser admits allegations were based on press reports, may be "fake news".
• Prosecutor's office criticizes judge for not informing them about investigation.
• PM Sánchez receives support from his party, opposition calls for his resignation.
• Prosecutor's request to drop case may provide relief, but political fallout continues.