Spanish Prime Minister Considers Resignation Amid Allegations Against Wife

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is contemplating resigning from office amidst a controversy involving allegations against his wife, Begoña Gómez. The situation has escalated after a Madrid court initiated an investigation into Gómez for influence peddling and corruption following a complaint from the pressure group, Manos Limpias.

Manos Limpias, led by lawyer Miguel Bernad, is known for its conservative stance. While the court has not provided specific details yet, the investigation seems to be linked to Gómez’s interactions with private companies that had government ties.

One of the focal points of the inquiry is Gómez’s alleged connections with the Spanish tourism group Globalia, particularly during talks about a bailout for Air Europa, an airline owned by Globalia.

In his response, Sánchez blamed opposition parties, such as PP and Vox, for collaborating with Manos Limpias and the right-wing media to target him through his wife, labeling it a baseless «harassment and bullying operation.»

Consequently, Sánchez announced his decision to suspend public duties temporarily and weigh his options before making a formal announcement on Monday, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the political landscape.

If Sánchez steps down, the First Deputy Prime Minister, María Jesús Montero, could potentially assume office. However, the possibility of a leadership challenge remains open, with figures like Yolanda Diaz also looming as contenders.

The main opposition, Partido Popular, alongside Vox, is closely monitoring the situation, considering the potential ramifications on government stability and the likelihood of elections or a leadership transition.