MADRID (Reuters) -A Spanish court on Monday summoned Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to testify as a witness. This is part of an investigation into Spain PM corruption allegations involving his wife. The case led him to consider resigning in April. #SpainPMCorruption
Sanchez, who leads a minority Socialist-led government, will meet with judge Juan Carlos Peinado on July 30. The interview will occur at the Moncloa Palace.
The proceedings are part of a preliminary investigation into Spain PM corruption. This involves whether Begona Gomez used her position to secure sponsors for her master’s course.
Peinado said Sanchez’s testimony would be “convenient, useful, and relevant” for determining if influence peddling occurred.
Under Spanish law, close relatives, including spouses, can refuse to answer questions, lawyer Luis Romero explained to Reuters. #SpainPMCorruption
Gomez appeared before the judge but declined to answer questions, following her lawyers’ advice that the case was “groundless.”
Gomez has not publicly commented on the case. Sanchez, however, denies the accusations, claiming they are baseless and politically motivated.
In April, Sanchez took a five-day break to consider resignation after the court opened the investigation but decided to stay.
It is the first time a sitting Spanish prime minister has been called to testify in a judicial case. Previously, Mariano Rajoy was summoned in 2017 in a graft case. This led to convictions of People’s Party members and a 2018 vote of no confidence.
