Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has opted to suspend his public duties to engage in introspection regarding his continuation in office, following a court’s initiation of a preliminary inquiry into his wife’s affairs.
In a statement, Sánchez expressed the urgent need to determine whether he should persist in leading the government or relinquish this responsibility, given the circumstances.
The court’s action follows corruption allegations against Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, brought forth by anti-corruption campaigners Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), associated with the far right.
Sánchez affirmed his wife’s commitment to defending her integrity and cooperating with the judiciary.
While the specific accusations against Gómez were not disclosed by the court, they pertain to allegations of influence peddling and corruption initiated on April 16.
Sánchez pledged to announce his decision on Monday, April 29, in light of the ongoing political and personal challenges he faces.
In a comprehensive statement, Sánchez decried what he described as a sustained campaign aimed at undermining him politically and targeting his wife personally.
The inquiry reportedly investigates Gómez’s connections to private companies that received government funds or public contracts, including a sponsorship agreement involving tourism group Globalia and a foundation she managed in 2020.
Sánchez’s suspension of public duties arrives amidst mounting tensions within his Socialist party, with significant elections on the horizon. Despite this, political allies have rallied behind him, underscoring his leadership since assuming office in 2018.
Sánchez’s coalition, albeit delicate, hinges on the support of two Catalan separatist parties, crucial for his government’s stability.
The opposition has criticized his administration’s amnesty decision, particularly its implications for figures like former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, further complicating Spain’s political landscape.
