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Politics
Jun 20, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Spanish Prime Minister’s Wife Barred from Leaving Country Amid Corruption Probe

AI Summary
Spain’s prime minister’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been barred from traveling abroad pending a corruption trial. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered her to surrender her passport and report to court twice a month, heightening political pressure on Sánchez’s government.

Travel Ban Imposed on PM’s Wife Ahead of Corruption Trial

Begona Gomez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has been prohibited from leaving Spain as she prepares to face a corruption trial. The ruling, issued on Saturday, requires her to surrender her passport and report to court twice a month until a verdict is reached.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado Restricts Gomez’s Movement

Investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered the travel ban, citing charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds. The case stems from a complaint by an anti‑corruption group with far‑right ties, focusing on a university chair at Madrid’s Complutense University that Gomez co‑directed.

Court‑Mandated Appearances and Passport Surrender

  • Passport must be handed over to the court.
  • Gomez must appear before the judge twice per month until a verdict.
  • No trial date has been set yet.

Political Fallout for Sánchez’s Government

Sánchez has dismissed the allegations as a right‑wing attempt to undermine his administration. The Socialist Party claims Gomez is innocent and faces a “years‑long campaign of political persecution.” The travel ban adds pressure to a series of corruption investigations involving close allies and former ministers.

What Lies Ahead for the Sánchez Administration

With multiple allies under investigation and no trial date announced, the case could intensify calls for Sánchez to resign or call early elections. Observers expect the legal process to remain a focal point in Spain’s political discourse in the coming months.