Spanish Judge Orders Trial of PM Sánchez's Wife on Corruption Charges

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ruled on June 20 that Begoña Gómez must stand trial on embezzlement, influence peddling, and related charges. She allegedly leveraged her role as the prime minister's wife to secure contracts and steer government procurement. Gómez denies wrongdoing. A trial order signals sufficient evidence exists to warrant full proceedings, though guilt remains unproven. The case has shadowed Sánchez's minority government for over two years.