The investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered on 21 September 2026 that trial proceedings be opened against Begoña Gómez, wife of the Spanish prime minister. He also referred the case to a Tribunal del Jurado. Gómez is accused of influence peddling and misappropriation of public funds. Her assistant is also due to stand trial alongside her in La Moncloa, Cristina Álvarez, accused of misappropriation. Peinado did not impose any precautionary measures, such as detention or bail; both defendants must remain available to the court at all times and report any change of address.
With this order, the Madrid investigating judge concludes his investigation, which has lasted more than two years, just days before his retirement on 27 September 2026. The case stems from a complaint by the organisation Manos Limpias , which describes itself as a trade union. The Sección 23 of the Audiencia Provincial de Madrid confirmed in July that the investigation could continue in respect of the offences mentioned. At earlier stages, the Audiencia overturned or restricted individual measures; the current order to open proceedings takes the case into its next phase.
According to media reports, the judge used the Punto Neutro Judicial to assess Gómez’s financial means in order to take possible civil liabilities into account. Her defence lawyers announced that they would challenge the decision to open trial proceedings. No specific dates have yet been set for the jury trial; the next steps will depend on appeals and scheduling in Madrid .
The legal significance of the step is that the investigation phase has ended and the allegations must now be tested at trial. The political sensitivity stems from the defendants’ proximity to the head of government. Critics argue that Peinado has accelerated proceedings ahead of his retirement. Supporters point to oversight by the Audiencia Provincial de Madrid and to the formal requirements of Spanish criminal procedure.
It is important to note that the investigating judge’s order is not a verdict, but the procedural threshold for an oral trial before the Tribunal del Jurado. Whether there is a conviction will be decided by a jury after hearing the evidence. Until then, Begoña Gómez and Cristina Álvarez are presumed innocent.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).