Spain’s Judicial Crisis Explodes: Business Chief Slams “Brutal Attack” on Judges as PM’s Wife Faces Passport Seizure
Spain’s top business leader has condemned a “brutal attack” on the judiciary as corruption scandals engulf Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, with his wife facing potential passport seizure in a case her lawyer calls a “ghost procedure.”
Antonio Garamendi, head of Spain’s main business association CEOE, told a general assembly in Madrid that corruption cases surrounding the administration are “incredible” and warned that “outside” observers are watching the country [174888]. He expressed full support for judges, the Civil Guard, and national police, calling the situation “lamentable” and warning that “institutional instability” is “the worst possible context for a good economy and employment” [174888]. Garamendi noted the government has not approved a national budget in three years and struggles to pass laws in parliament [174888].
The warning came as Spain’s former chief prosecutor is suspected of participating in a Socialist Party campaign to harass police investigators and judges, according to newly released documents [171926]. The ex-prosecutor allegedly tried to remove the judge investigating corruption allegations against Prime Minister Sánchez’s brother, David Sánchez [171926].
Separately, the prime minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, appeared in court for the fifth time on Monday as a judge weighs whether to impose precautionary measures [173917]. Far-right groups acting as private prosecutors have asked Judge Juan Carlos Peinado to seize Gómez’s passport, require her to report to court every two weeks, and ban her from using a trademark for financial gain [173917]. Gómez faces a potential 24-year prison sentence requested by the private prosecution [173917].
Gómez’s lawyer, Antonio Camacho, told the judge the case is a “ghost procedure” designed to “erode” the government [173917]. Camacho accused the judge of politicizing the case, saying the investigation is based on the “truly absurd” idea that, because Gómez is the prime minister’s wife, her actions influence “everyone” [173917]. “Politics is being done, but in the wrong place,” Camacho said. “Whoever wants to do politics should go to the street, not a court” [173917].
The judge is expected to rule within three days on whether to open a trial and impose precautionary measures [173917]. Judge Peinado is set to retire in September [173917].