Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is stepping back from public duties to contemplate his resignation after a Spanish court launched a preliminary corruption investigation into his wife’s business dealings. The investigation involves allegations of influence peddling against Begoña Gómez, Sanchez’s wife, who is accused of receiving benefits from Air Europa, a Spanish airline. Sanchez has denied the allegations and vowed cooperation with the investigation to prove his wife’s innocence. The scandal has sparked outrage within opposition parties, who accuse Sanchez of neglecting his responsibilities. Sanchez came to power in 2018 after a no-confidence vote against Mariano Rajoy and formed a controversial coalition government with smaller regional parties that included an amnesty for Catalans involved in the 2017 independence bid.
Results for: Air Europa
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is considering resigning after a court opened an investigation into his wife, Begona Gomez, on suspicion of graft. The probe revolves around Gomez’s alleged ties to private companies that received government funding or won public contracts, including a €475 million bailout for Air Europa. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias and has sparked a backlash from the right-wing Popular Party, which has accused Sanchez of conflicts of interest. Sanchez, who has denied any wrongdoing, says he will announce his decision on Monday.