Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez faces pressure as wife Begona Gomez ordered to stand trial

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing growing political pressure after a judge ordered his wife, Begona Gomez, to stand trial on corruption-related charges and banned her from leaving the country.

According to CNN, Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered Gomez to surrender her passport and report to court twice a month while proceedings continue.

She faces charges including embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds.

Both Gomez and Sanchez have denied any wrongdoing. The prime minister has repeatedly described the investigation as politically motivated and an "obscene farce."

The case began in 2024 after anti-corruption group Manos Limpias filed a complaint alleging influence peddling.

Sanchez briefly stepped away from public duties at the time as the investigation gathered pace.

Responding to the latest ruling, Justice Minister Félix Bolaños wrote on X: "Today is a dreadful day for those of us who believe in justice," adding "truth will ultimately prevail."

CNN reported that the case is one of several investigations involving figures close to Sanchez, including former allies and members of his party.

Although the prime minister has not been accused of any offence, the investigations have placed additional strain on his minority coalition government.