In a statement released on social media on April 24, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced his decision to suspend his official duties in order to reflect on whether he would continue leading the government or resign. Sánchez, who is 52 years old, said that he would make an announcement about his decision on April 29 and suspend the public agenda until then.
The prime minister’s announcement came after the Madrid court opened an investigation into Sra. Begoña Gómez, wife of Mr. Sánchez, for alleged abuse of influence in exchange for benefits and corruption in business deals with the government. The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias.
According to reports from Spanish media outlets, investigators were looking into Mrs. Gómez’s relationships with various private companies that received money or contracts from the government, including the Spanish tourism giant Globalia, owner of Air Europa airline. It is reported that Mrs. Gómez met in private with Globalia CEO in 2020 when the company was negotiating a multimillion-dollar bailout package with the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter published on social media, Mr. Sánchez argued that Manos Limpias’ complaint was based on non-existent facts as part of a campaign of “harassment” against his wife directed by conservative and far-right media outlets and supported by conservative opposition parties.
Several members of Mr. Sánchez’s cabinet visited him at his residence on April 24 to express their support for him. “The right cannot win,” said Yolanda Díaz, Minister of Labor, in response to criticism from conservative and far-right media outlets.” We must protect democracy, the progressive bloc and the legitimacy of our coalition government that has greatly improved people’s lives.”