Sánchez Resists Election Calls as Court Cases Loom

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces a politically sensitive week as legal proceedings involving both his wife and a former Socialist prime minister continue to attract public attention.

His wife, Begoña Gómez, is due to appear before a court as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations including influence peddling, embezzlement, corruption in business activities and misuse of public funds. Investigators are examining whether Gómez used her position as the prime minister's wife to secure and retain a role at Madrid's Complutense University. She denies all wrongdoing.

Former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is also expected to testify before Spain's National Court this week. His testimony relates to an investigation into state aid granted to the airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic. The broader inquiry includes allegations of tax evasion and smuggling following the discovery of jewelry worth more than 1.3 million euro during a police search. Zapatero has denied any involvement in wrongdoing.

The opposition has called for early elections, arguing that the investigations are damaging both the government and the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). Sánchez has rejected those demands and says he intends to remain in office until the next scheduled general election.

(guardian, bak)