Madrid court deliberates on Begoña Gómez jury trial decision

A panel of five magistrates from the Madrid Provincial Court deliberated on Monday over a key procedural issue in the case against Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The court must decide whether to confirm Judge Juan Carlos Peinado's order sending Gómez, her adviser Cristina Álvarez, and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés to trial by jury on charges of influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement, and misappropriation. Source: infobae

The session examined three appeals: one against the jury trial order, another against the dismissal of an intrusion charge, and a third regarding a possible split in the popular accusation led by Hazte Oír. A decision is not expected immediately, as magistrates must draft a reasoned ruling. Source: elespanol

Political backdrop

The government has sharply criticized the investigation, calling it "anomalous" and politically motivated. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños expressed confidence in the court but noted that the Audiencia has overruled Peinado 15 times previously. He urged "extreme prudence" pending the ruling. Source: infobae

Key points

• The investigation, opened in April 2024, centers on Gómez's role as co-director of a university chair and alleged influence in public contracts favoring Barrabés. Source: elconfidencial
• The prosecution and defense maintain no crime occurred and accuse Peinado of conducting a prospective investigation. Source: elespanol