Judge Peinado brings Bettino Craxi into Sánchez and Gómez case, sparking political backlash

Spain’s political tensions have taken another twist after Judge Juan Carlos Peinado introduced an unexpected name into one of the country’s most closely watched legal cases. In a decision defending restrictions imposed on Begoña Gómez, the judge cited the example of fugitive former Italian Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, drawing Pedro Sánchez into the reasoning and triggering a fresh wave of political criticism.

The reference has quickly become the focus of debate, shifting attention away from the restrictions themselves and onto the language used by the judge. Rather than concentrating on whether Begoña Gómez should remain subject to precautionary measures, politicians, legal commentators and much of the Spanish media are now discussing whether it was appropriate to invoke the downfall of one of Europe’s most notorious political figures.

Why Bettino Craxi entered the case

Judge Peinado made the reference while explaining why he believed the possibility of flight could not simply be dismissed because of Pedro Sánchez’s position as Spain’s Prime Minister. In his reasoning, he pointed to the case of Bettino Craxi, Italy’s former prime minister, who fled to Tunisia during the 1990s after becoming embroiled in corruption investigations linked to the Mani Pulite scandal. Craxi remained there until his death in 2000.

The judge argued that European political leaders have fled justice before and that holding high office does not automatically remove that possibility. Although the ruling centred on Begoña Gómez, mentioning Craxi inevitably brought Pedro Sánchez into the discussion because of his role as Spain’s serving prime minister.

A comparison that immediately drew attention

The reference was enough to ignite political reaction within hours. Critics argue the comparison is excessive and unnecessarily inflammatory, saying there is no evidence that Pedro Sánchez has attempted to obstruct the judicial process or that Begoña Gómez intends to leave Spain.

Supporters of the judge’s position counter that he was not accusing either Sánchez or Gómez of planning to flee. Instead, they argue he was using a historical example to explain why courts should not assume that public office removes every possible risk.

That distinction has become central to the debate, some legal commentators believe the judge was simply illustrating a principle. Others argue the comparison inevitably creates a public association between Spain’s current prime minister and one of modern Europe’s most infamous political scandals.

Background to the investigation

The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation involving Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Judge Peinado has spent months examining allegations linked to her professional activities, although Gómez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

The investigation has become one of Spain’s most politically charged legal cases, generating intense debate between the government and opposition parties over the role of the judiciary and the limits of judicial investigations involving senior political figures. Each new court decision has attracted widespread attention, but few have generated as much discussion over their wording as this latest ruling.

Political divisions deepen

Unsurprisingly, reactions have largely followed existing political lines. Government supporters accused the judge of introducing unnecessary political overtones into a legal decision. Opposition voices defended the court’s independence, arguing judges must be free to explain their reasoning without political pressure, even when those explanations prove controversial.

For many observers, however, the argument is no longer simply about one investigation. It has become another chapter in the increasingly confrontational relationship between Spain’s political institutions and sections of the judiciary. Court rulings are normally remembered for their legal consequences, this one is being remembered for a historical comparison. Mentioning Bettino Craxi transformed what could have been another procedural decision into national political news.

Craxi remains one of Italy’s most controversial political figures. His name is closely associated with corruption investigations, exile and the collapse of an entire political era, for that reason alone, any judicial reference to him is almost guaranteed to attract attention.

A legal decision that became a political headline

Spain has seen no shortage of political disputes in recent years, but few legal rulings have generated headlines because of a single historical reference, Judge Peinado’s decision has done exactly that. By invoking Bettino Craxi while defending his reasoning, the judge ensured the conversation would extend far beyond the courtroom. Whether the comparison ultimately proves legally significant remains to be seen.

Politically, however, it has already achieved one thing, it has added another highly charged chapter to one of Spain’s most closely followed legal and political battles, ensuring the spotlight remains firmly on the investigation surrounding Begoña Gómez and, increasingly, on Pedro Sánchez himself.