Wife of Spain’s Prime Minister warned she will be brought by police if she misses court hearing

A Spanish judge has ordered Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to appear in court on June 9 for a preliminary hearing linked to a possible jury trial. The hearing is part of ongoing judicial proceedings being handled by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in Madrid.

The summons also extends to other individuals involved in the case, including Gómez’s adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office, Cristina Álvarez, and businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés. All have been instructed to attend in person.

According to the court order, the appearance forms part of the procedural stage prior to a potential opening of oral trial proceedings. The judge is expected to assess the next steps in the case during this session, which is scheduled to take place in Madrid.

Judge warns of police enforcement if summons is ignored

In the same judicial order, Judge Peinado stated that failure to attend the hearing could result in compulsory appearance enforced by state authorities. The court document specifies that any failure to comply with the summons may lead to the individuals being brought before the court by “fuerza pública” (public force/police).

The instruction makes attendance mandatory and indicates that non-compliance would trigger enforcement measures. The wording of the order applies equally to all three individuals summoned for the June 9 session.

The judge’s decision forms part of procedural powers available to ensure attendance at judicial hearings in Spain. The summons is issued within the framework of the ongoing instruction phase, which has been running for an extended period.

Hearing forms part of pre-trial procedure

The 9 June session is described in court reporting as a preliminary hearing ahead of a possible jury trial. It follows a judicial instruction phase in which the judge has been examining allegations connected to the case.

The proceedings relate to an investigation into several alleged offences, including corruption in business dealings, influence peddling, misuse of public funds and improper use of branding. These charges are under judicial examination and have not yet been tested in trial.

The judge has previously indicated that the instruction phase is nearing completion and that the case may proceed to trial proceedings depending on the outcome of the upcoming hearing.

Background to ongoing judicial investigation

The case against Gómez originates from a complaint lodged in 2024 by several civic organisations. It has since developed into a broader judicial inquiry overseen by Judge Peinado at a Madrid court.

During the investigation, multiple procedural decisions have been issued, including summonses for testimony and judicial review of evidence. The judge has also reviewed requests from both prosecution and defence parties regarding the scope and continuation of the inquiry.

In earlier stages, the court examined whether additional investigative steps were required. Some requests for further testimony were rejected on the grounds that they were not considered necessary for the case at that stage.

Legal classification and next procedural steps

Judicial reporting indicates that the court is considering whether to move forward with a jury trial process. If confirmed, the case would proceed to an oral trial stage following the preliminary hearing scheduled for June.

The decision to summon Gómez and the other individuals reflects the final procedural steps before that determination is made. At this stage, the court has not issued a final ruling on guilt or innocence, and the defendants retain their legal presumption of innocence.

The hearing is expected to address procedural matters and determine whether the case should advance further within the Spanish criminal court system.

Wider political and legal attention

The case has attracted sustained political and media attention in Spain due to Gómez’s position as the spouse of the prime minister. The involvement of public institutions and private-sector figures has also contributed to scrutiny of the proceedings.

While the investigation continues, the court has maintained that its decisions are based on procedural requirements within the judicial system. The upcoming hearing is expected to represent a key step in determining the next phase of the case.