The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez may resign in the wake of an investigation into his wife, Begona Gomez, for corruption and influence peddling. The investigation was launched after a complaint by an organization called Clean Hands, which alleged that Gomez has ties to private companies that received government funding or public contracts.
Sánchez has canceled his public agenda and will announce his decision on Monday, April 29. The prime minister expressed his concerns in an open letter to citizens, questioning whether to continue leading the government amid the allegations against his wife.
The controversy comes at a time of strong political polarization in Spain, particularly after the July elections. The tensions have increased after Sánchez secured power with the support of Catalan separatists in exchange for an amnesty agreement. The situation has sparked a debate about the future of the government and the prime minister’s leadership.
Gomez is being linked to a Spanish tourism group Globalia, which owns Air Europa. She reportedly met with the CEO of Globalia before the government granted a bailout to Air Europa. Sánchez participated in the decision-making process that authorized the bailout. The prime minister expressed his concerns about Gomez’s involvement in these deals and questioned whether it was ethical or appropriate for her to be involved in such matters given her position as first lady of Spain.
The organization behind the complaint, Manos Limpias, has been known for its involvement in political issues. The government has dismissed the allegations against Gomez, calling them baseless and part of a strategy by the right and far-right parties. However, some critics have called for Gomez to face charges or at least step down from her role as first lady until cleared of any wrongdoing.
In conclusion, Pedro Sánchez is facing tough decisions about his future as prime minister following allegations against his wife for corruption and influence peddling. While he continues to maintain his innocence and dismisses the allegations as baseless, he may ultimately decide to resign if he feels that it is best for him and for Spain’s future.
