Spanish Minister Under Investigation: Allegations of Embezzlement and Perjury Surface

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who is overseeing the case against Begoña Gómez, has formally requested the Supreme Court to investigate Félix Bolaños, the Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Courts. The judge has raised serious allegations of embezzlement and perjury related to the hiring of an advisor for the wife of the President of the Government. Peinado believes that there are "reasonable, solid, and qualified indications" that Bolaños, who previously served as Secretary General of the Presidency, may have participated in both crimes as a coauthor. This led the magistrate to compile a detailed report directed to the Supreme Court, seeking a determination on whether an investigation should proceed given the minister’s legal immunity. In the report, Judge Peinado mentions Bolaños as the "now investigated" individual, despite the Supreme Court's ultimate authority on whether charges will be brought against him. The report has raised eyebrows due to multiple spelling and transcription errors concerning statements made by various witnesses over recent months. Notably, he misquotes Bolaños’ comments during a controversial declaration that was leaked to the press. The judge incorrectly interpreted a significant part of the testimony where Bolaños discussed his meetings with Begoña Gómez’s advisor. According to the original audio, Bolaños clearly stated that they had crossed paths at a political event and again at a funeral home for Begoña Gómez's father's funeral. However, in the official transcription, Judge Peinado mistakenly attributed the event to the funeral home of Begoña Gómez herself, which has caught the attention of various political figures, including Gabriel Rufián. Rufián commented on the ongoing situation, expressing concern over the lack of decorum in how Judge Peinado presented Bolaños' association with the events described. He pointed out the sensitivity around discussing someone's death, emphasizing that even amidst serious allegations, a certain level of respect shouldn't be overlooked. As the situation develops, the Supreme Court will decide the next steps regarding the investigation of Minister Bolaños. The overlap of politics, ethics, and legal standards in this case highlights the intricate balance that public officials must maintain amid allegations of misconduct. The implications for the government, and specifically for Bolaños, could be significant, depending on the findings of the Supreme Court. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2