The wife of the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, refused to testify in an investigation commission of the regional Parliament of Madrid regarding a possible "preferential treatment" in her relationship with the Complutense University (UCM). Gómez, who is under judicial investigation, decided not to answer the questions, claiming that the complaints against her have a clear political motive.
In her statement to the commission, Gómez explained that her collaboration with the UCM began 12 years ago as co-director of a master's program and that she has been working in consultancy and teaching for 25 years. The judicial investigation in which she is involved focuses on alleged crimes of influence peddling, business corruption, embezzlement, and intrusiveness regarding the hiring of software for the master's program she co-directed at the UCM.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the case following a complaint filed by the 'union' Manos Limpias, which accused Gómez of using her position as the President's wife to benefit businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés in awarding contracts. Gómez's collaboration with the UCM expanded in 2020 with the creation of an extraordinary chair, emphasizing that her work at the university is a routine and unpaid practice.
In her appearance, Gómez highlighted her experience in consultancy and teaching, as well as her role as director of a master's program in social projects and sustainability. Despite the accusations against her, Pedro Sánchez's wife stated that she trusts the truth will come to light and set things straight, while reiterating that her participation at the UCM is part of her long-standing professional career.
