The Spanish government is facing backlash from right and far-right parties after the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Begona Gomez, was summoned to court as part of a corruption investigation. The government has denounced the probe as a political attack aimed at undermining the leftist coalition government.
Gomez is set to appear in court on July 5 to address allegations that she used her position to influence business deals. Despite the accusations, Sanchez has labeled the investigation as a “smear campaign” orchestrated by the opposition parties.
Government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria condemned the probe as based on “lies and disinformation” and accused the right and far-right parties, specifically the Popular Party and Vox, of launching a “mudslinging campaign” against the government.
The investigation was initiated following allegations brought by a group called Manos Limpias, known for targeting leftist politicians with legal cases. The group’s complaint, based on media reports, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the motives behind the probe.
Despite the public prosecutors’ attempt to dismiss the investigation, a provincial court ruled in favor of continuing the probe. The judge overseeing the case now has the authority to either suspend the corruption investigation or recommend that the case proceed to trial.
The timing of Gomez’s summons, just days before the European Parliament elections, has added a political dimension to the controversy. As Spanish citizens prepare to cast their votes on Sunday, the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the government and the country’s political landscape.