Investigation Deepens into Alleged Influence Peddling by Spain's First Lady
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado is intensifying his investigation into Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, over allegations of influence peddling. The judge has summoned Moncloa advisor Cristina Álvarez to testify on December 20. According to a ruling obtained by EFE, Álvarez is alleged to have relayed Gómez's interest in early 2024 to the insurance company Reale, concerning the continuation of funding for a chair at Complutense University, which Gómez had directed.
Despite initial discussions, the funding for this position ultimately did not go ahead, as suggested in the case file. In a move to uncover further evidence, Judge Peinado is also requesting a trace of Begoña Gómez's financial accounts and has solicited the marriage certificate of Gómez and Sánchez from the official Registry.
Adding to the unfolding situation, the judge has summoned Juan José Güemes, an executive from IE and former advisor in Madrid, as a suspect for questioning on December 18. This development sheds light on the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the actions of the First Lady, bringing the spotlight to potential political improprieties linked to the highest echelons of Spanish governance.
As this investigation continues, it raises questions about the ethical boundaries in politics and the implications for the Sánchez administration amid growing public and media interest. The public will be watching closely as these proceedings unfold, especially as they coincide with upcoming elections and political events in Spain.
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