The PSOE is planning to present a written request to the National Court to investigate a conversation that took place on August 22, 2014 between the commissioner José Manuel Villarejo and the then number two of the Ministry of Interior under the government of Mariano Rajoy (PP), Francisco Martínez, regarding the business dealings of the father and two uncles of Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This move comes in response to what they perceive as attacks and persecution by the right and the far-right against the PSOE’s leader and his family over the past decade, during the time when the so-called “patriotic police” was active. This action follows after Sánchez’s announcement that he will continue in office, despite previously contemplating resignation due to legal proceedings against his wife.
The scrutiny on Pedro Sánchez and his family began shortly after he assumed the leadership of the PSOE. In August 2014, a conversation took place between commissioner José Manuel Villarejo and Francisco Martínez, then the Secretary of State for Security, where Villarejo detailed the business dealings of Begoña Gómez’s father and uncles. The recordings of this conversation were brought to light in an ongoing judicial investigation at the National Court related to Villarejo’s business activities, which has resulted in his imprisonment. The PSOE aims to bring this conversation to light in the ongoing legal proceedings, demonstrating the alleged smear tactics used against the Prime Minister by the opposition, particularly the Partido Popular.
The conversation between Villarejo and Martínez reveals discussions around Pedro Sánchez’s family business dealings, particularly concerning a sauna business allegedly owned by the family members of his wife. This information was used by political rivals to discredit the Prime Minister in subsequent years. The PSOE has been actively involved in the legal proceedings related to Villarejo’s activities, aiming to shed light on the tactics used against Sánchez and his family. The conversation also highlights the interconnectedness between political figures and law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about potential abuses of power and political motivations behind certain investigations.
The PSOE’s decision to pursue further investigation into the conversation between Villarejo and Martínez reflects their determination to address what they see as a decade-long campaign of harassment against Pedro Sánchez and his family. This move comes as a response to the ongoing legal proceedings and public scrutiny surrounding the Prime Minister and his wife. By seeking to uncover the motives and tactics used in targeting Sánchez, the PSOE aims to defend their leader and his family against what they perceive as unjust attacks and politically motivated smear campaigns. The political implications of these revelations may have far-reaching consequences for the current government and its opponents.
