Prosecutors seek to dismiss main case against Begoña Gómez
Madrid's Provincial Prosecutor's Office requested the dismissal of the main investigation into Begoña Gómez, wife of President Pedro Sánchez, for alleged traffic of influences and other crimes, citing no penal indications. Gómez's defense also sought dismissal, arguing only traffic of influences could go to a popular jury. The hearing took place on October 6, 2025, before Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in Madrid.
On October 6, 2025, in a hearing called by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado of Madrid's Court of Instruction No. 41, prosecutors presented a 17-page document requesting the dismissal of the main case against Begoña Gómez, her advisor Cristina Álvarez, and entrepreneur Juan Carlos Barrabés. The public ministry argued there is "no objective element" indicating Gómez exerted influence over third parties, and that her "mere marital relationship" with the president does not presume a crime. "Beyond ethical or aesthetic considerations, the mere marital relationship of Gómez cannot operate as a sort of presumption [...] that translates into prevalence and influence with penal relevance," states the fiscal document.
Gómez's defense, represented by former minister Antonio Camacho—who attended in her place, as she was absent like in prior summonses—also requested dismissal. Camacho stated there are no indications and criticized the judge's "stereotyped and empty formulas" to justify a jury trial. He insisted only traffic of influences could follow that path, excluding misappropriation of the software from her UCM chair due to lack of connection and "intent to profit."
The case, started on April 8, 2024, after a complaint by Manos Limpias based on press clippings—some false—investigates four crimes in this piece: traffic of influences, corruption in business, misappropriation of brand, and professional intrusion. It relates to recommendation letters signed by Gómez for Barrabés's companies, which won million-euro bids from Red.es, and the chair's software. An IGAE report noted administrative irregularities but no penal ones.
Popular accusations, like Hazte Oír, requested continuation and re-interrogation of Pedro Sánchez on the UCM. The State Advocacy and defenses of Álvarez and Barrabés—also absent—supported dismissal. Peinado recently extended the procedure to popular jury, but prosecutors see the charges as forced. The UCM was offered to join as harmed party over the software, though its probe found no registration by Gómez and the chair's goal was not its development.