Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez considers resigning over accusations against his wife
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that he has canceled all his public political engagements for a period to reflect on whether to remain in office, following allegations that his wife, Begona Gomez, influenced the business world and was involved in corruption.
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Following a criminal complaint filed by a far-right-leaning union called "Clean Hands", Sanchez announced that he is considering stepping down after it was revealed that a judge in a Madrid court had launched a secret investigation into his wife, Begona Gomez, over allegations of using her influence to affect certain business circles and engaging in corruption.
In a four-page statement titled "A letter to the citizen" posted on his X account, Sanchez accused the opposition right-wing and far-right parties of being disconnected from the country's reality, refusing to accept their election defeat, failing to respect a legitimate government, and acting like a "mud-slinging machine" by constantly slandering him and those around him with cartoonish allegations.
"Do I continue to lead the government, or should I give up this high honor? I urgently need to answer the question of whether it is worth it," said Sanchez, adding that he has canceled all his public meetings for a while and needs time to reflect.
HE WILL ANNOUNCE HIS DECISION ON APRIL 29
In a decision interpreted as a "surprise" in both Spanish politics and the press, Sanchez stated that he will appear before the public on April 29 to hold a press conference to announce his decision.
Sanchez emphasized that he has a sense of political responsibility and a duty of public service, that he has never shied away from duty and responsibility, and that he loves his country and wants to move it forward.
Earlier today, during a session at the General Assembly of Parliament, Sanchez had said in response to questions from the opposition, "Despite the accusations against my wife, I continue to trust the judiciary in my country."
The 52-year-old Sanchez, who is the leader of the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), has been serving as prime minister for three consecutive terms: 2018-2019, 2020-2023, and most recently with the minority left-wing coalition government formed in November 2023.
In the criminal complaint filed against Gomez on April 5, the Clean Hands union alleged that Gomez used her influence in certain business circles because her husband is the prime minister (Sanchez) and that she was involved in corruption.