Spanish judge orders prime minister's wife to stand trial and surrender her passport

A Madrid judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial on corruption-related allegations and to surrender her passport while the case moves forward.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado also barred Gómez from leaving Spain and required her to appear before court every two weeks. The measures add immediate legal pressure to one of the most politically sensitive investigations involving Sánchez’s circle.

Gómez denies wrongdoing. Sánchez and the Socialist Party have described the case as politically motivated, while the judge said the restrictions were justified by flight-risk concerns.

Trial Order

The ruling moves the case from investigation into formal trial proceedings, although no trial date has been set yet.

According to the reporting, the judge’s decision includes three immediate requirements: Gómez must surrender her passport, remain in Spain, and report to court twice a month.

That combination of measures is significant because it keeps her under court supervision while the case continues and signals that the judge sees enough evidence to advance the proceedings.

How the Case Developed

The investigation began in 2024 after a complaint from Manos Limpias, a pressure group with links to the political right.

By April 2026, Gómez was reported as formally charged on corruption-related offenses. The June 20 order then escalated the case into trial proceedings and added the travel restrictions.

AP reported that Peinado ordered Gómez to stand trial, surrender her passport and appear before court every two weeks. El País said the judge opened oral proceedings and imposed the same restrictions as part of the ruling.

Allegations and Defense

The case centers on corruption-related allegations tied to Gómez’s role as the prime minister’s wife. Depending on the outlet and court framing, the accusations have been described as influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, malfeasance, misappropriation and misuse of public funds.

Gómez has denied any wrongdoing.

The reporting also says the Fiscalía and the defense are seeking dismissal of parts of the case and are preparing an appeal, which means the ruling may still be challenged in higher courts.

Political Fallout

The case has become a broader political test for Sánchez’s minority government. Because the defendant is the prime minister’s wife, the legal process is likely to keep drawing attention well beyond the courtroom.

Moncloa denounced the judge’s action as persecution, obsession and disproportion, according to El País. The PSOE has also defended Gómez’s innocence.

At the same time, the opposition is expected to continue pressing the government as the case advances. The ruling deepens the already tense confrontation between the executive and the judiciary over one of Spain’s most closely watched corruption probes.

What Happens Next

Gómez is expected to challenge the precautionary measures imposed by the judge.

The court will now move toward scheduling the trial and handling pretrial procedure. Later, the Madrid appellate court may review any procedural challenges or restrictions tied to the order.

For now, the immediate consequences are clear: Gómez must stay in Spain, hand over her passport and return to court every two weeks while the case proceeds.

,