Spain’s prime minister faces mounting scandals: A closer look at five corruption probes

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, is under pressure as a series of corruption investigations target his close associates, including his wife, brother, a former minister, and members of his political circle. The cases, spanning from alleged embezzlement to judicial leaks, have sparked political turmoil and scrutiny.

Investigation into Sánchez’s wife

Begoña Gómez, the prime minister’s wife, has been under investigation since April 2024 for alleged corruption and influence peddling tied to her tenure at Madrid’s Complutense University. Complaints filed by two far-right groups, Manos Limpias (“Clean Hands”) and Hazte Oír (“Make Your Voice Heard”), accuse her of misappropriating software funded by private companies and intended for the university.

During her court appearance in December, Gómez defended herself, stating she had “nothing to hide.” The Socialist Party dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by political opponents.

Former transport minister under fire

José Luis Ábalos, Sánchez’s former transport minister and once a close ally, is accused of accepting kickbacks for contracts related to mask and medical supply purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sánchez dismissed him from office in July 2021, and Ábalos was expelled from the Socialist Party in February 2024 after the scandal broke. He now serves as an independent MP.

The case took a significant turn last week when a police report implicated Santos Cerdán, the Socialist Party’s third-ranking official, in the affair. Cerdán resigned from his party and parliamentary roles in response.

The prime minister’s brother accused of embezzlement

David Sánchez, the younger brother of the prime minister, is also under investigation, facing allegations of embezzlement, influence peddling, and tax fraud. The charges stem from claims by Manos Limpias that he used his familial ties to secure a public sector job in Badajoz, a Socialist-run province, while allegedly collecting a salary without fulfilling his duties. David Sánchez denies all accusations.

Judicial leaks controversy

The prime minister’s government has also been linked to alleged judicial leaks in a tax fraud case involving the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the conservative head of the Madrid region. Businessman Alberto González Amador accused state prosecutors of breaching his privacy after sensitive emails regarding his potential plea deal were leaked to the media.

The Supreme Court has opened an investigation into Spain’s top prosecutor, Álvaro García Ortiz, who was appointed by Sánchez’s government in 2022. Ortiz denies any involvement in the leaks but now faces potential trial.

Smear campaign allegations

Leire Díez, a Socialist Party member, is accused of orchestrating a smear campaign against a police unit investigating corruption allegations involving Sánchez’s wife, brother, and former aides. In leaked audio recordings, Díez allegedly offered judicial leniency to a police official and a businessman in exchange for compromising information on the unit.

Díez denied the allegations, claiming she was conducting research for a book and was not acting on behalf of Sánchez or the party. Earlier this month, she resigned from the Socialist Party.

Political and legal fallout

As these cases unfold, Sánchez faces mounting criticism from opposition parties and the public. With Spain’s political landscape already polarized, these scandals are likely to further challenge the prime minister’s leadership and the Socialist Party’s standing ahead of future elections.