Judicial Inquiry: Pedro Sánchez's Brother and Local Leaders Summoned Over Allegations of Misconduct
In a significant development, Beatriz Biedma, the presiding judge of Instruction Court No. 3 in Badajoz, has summoned David Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, brother of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, along with Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the president of the Badajoz Provincial Council and the general secretary of the PSOE party in Extremadura, to testify as suspects. This summons is set for January 9 and is part of an ongoing investigation involving serious allegations of misconduct, embezzlement, influence peddling, and other related charges.
The court order, issued on November 27 and reported by Europa Press, includes a total of nine individuals, all of whom hold positions of responsibility within the Badajoz Provincial Council. The investigation follows the findings of a report compiled by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard, which involved a recent raid on the council premises and the seizure of numerous emails pertinent to the case.
As part of the inquiry, Judge Biedma has also instructed Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) to urgently provide the court with detailed information regarding the nominal value of official listing share deposits under David Sánchez’s name for several key dates: November 2017, November 2019, December 2021, November 2022, and June 2023. This request indicates the court's intention to explore potential financial irregularities linked to Sánchez’s dealings that may have occurred over the past several years.
The decision to summon high-profile individuals from the local political sphere has raised eyebrows and is seen as a crucial step in the effort to uncover the truth behind the allegations of financial misconduct. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of these summons could extend beyond the individuals directly involved, potentially impacting the political landscape in Extremadura and nationwide, considering the associations with the current administration.
Citizens and political observers alike are keenly watching how this situation develops, as it could influence public perception of government integrity and accountability in Spain.
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