Begoña Gómez's defense has submitted an expert report to Judge Juan Carlos Peinado comparing her advisor's activities to those of previous presidents' wives. The document, prepared by professor Julio Víctor González, argues there is no specific regulation and it has been common practice since 1977.
Begoña Gómez's defense, wife of President Pedro Sánchez, submitted an expert report to Judge Juan Carlos Peinado signed by Complutense University professor of Administrative Law Julio Víctor González. The document argues there is no legal regulation for presidents' spouses' activities or their advisors, comparing cases from Adolfo Suárez to Sánchez.
The report details historical examples. Ana Botella, wife of José María Aznar, had at least two advisors, Cristina Alonso and María Ángeles Manzano, who assisted with her daughter's wedding and private trips or fashion shows. Sonsoles Espinosa, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's wife, received support from María Emma Celia Muñoz and Ana María Pérez Santamaría at private concerts. Elvira Fernández, Mariano Rajoy's wife, had three assistants plus two for her father-in-law's care, which sparked controversy.
Felipe González's wife, Carmen Romero, balanced teaching and political roles with a two-person team. The expert opinion concludes these practices constitute a 'custom' valid as a source of law under Article 1.1 of the Civil Code, with 'extreme trust' advisors supporting institutional, private, and professional activities without a clear public-private boundary.
Begoña Gómez faces charges of influence peddling, business corruption, misappropriation, and embezzlement, partly for using a Moncloa worker for her Complutense University chair. The report aims to refute the embezzlement charge by highlighting historical normalcy.
