The Begoña Gómez case continues to dominate the headlines with two key court hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The right-wing and far-right parties have launched a fierce attack against the government of Pedro Sánchez over the investigation by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who has charged Begoña Gómez, the president’s wife, with influence peddling and corruption in business dealings. The Madrid Court of Appeals will convene on Monday to discuss whether to dismiss, restrict, or support the inquiries against Gómez, following a suspension of deliberations on September 30 due to an error by Peinado’s court. Additionally, the Madrid High Court has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday to decide whether to admit the prevarication complaint filed by the State Attorney’s Office against Peinado on behalf of the head of government.
The decisions of the Madrid Court of Appeals and the Madrid High Court will directly impact the ongoing investigation led by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado at the 41st Investigative Court in the capital. The focus is primarily on the provincial court, which is reviewing the appeals filed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the defense of the president’s wife. The defense, led by former Socialist Minister Antonio Camacho, has requested the dismissal of the entire investigation, arguing that it has become a “general case” against Gómez, prohibited by law. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has asked the Appeals Court to at least set boundaries on the investigation, criticizing the lack of certainty and procedural drift under Peinado’s direction.
While the Madrid Court of Appeals may reach a decision on Monday, the outcome is not expected to be known until several days later. Legal sources anticipate a similar delay in disclosing the verdict of the Madrid High Court on Tuesday regarding the admission of the lawsuit against Peinado. The regional court was tasked with reviewing three complaints against the investigating judge, the first of which came from journalist Máximo Pradera, while the second was filed by the president of the government and the third by Begoña Gómez herself, with pending decisions from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the court.
The political dimension of the case is evident in the public debate surrounding each development in the court proceedings. The right-wing and far-right have seized upon Peinado’s investigation as part of their opposition strategy against the government. The government, on the other hand, has criticized Peinado’s inquiry, dismissing it as politically motivated. Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Administration, Óscar López, labeled the case as political, while Minister of Presidency and Justice, Félix Bolaños, expressed confidence in the rule of law and the impartiality of the country’s judiciary. The ongoing legal battle has become a focal point in the larger political landscape of Spain.
Overall, the Begoña Gómez case has sparked significant tension between the government and the opposition, with court decisions expected to have far-reaching consequences. The outcome of the upcoming hearings at the Madrid Court of Appeals and the Madrid High Court will determine the future trajectory of the investigation led by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado. Amid accusations of influence peddling and corruption, the legal battle has become a focal point of political debate in Spain, highlighting the complexities of judicial proceedings intertwined with national politics. The decision-making process within the legal system will not only impact the individuals involved but also have broader implications for the government, the opposition, and the country’s judicial system as a whole.
