14.07.2026 18:10
Spanish politics is boiling over with corruption and influence-peddling investigations surrounding Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's inner circle. The Provincial Court of Badajoz sentenced Prime Minister Sanchez's musician brother, David Sanchez, to a nine-year ban from public office in a case where he was prosecuted for being irregularly appointed to the position of conservatory coordinator.
Spanish politics is in turmoil over corruption and influence peddling cases targeting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's inner circle. The Provincial Court of Badajoz has sentenced the Prime Minister's musician brother, David Sánchez, to a 9-year ban from public office for the crime of "participation in administrative misconduct" in a case regarding his irregular appointment.
IRREGULAR APPOINTMENT CRISIS RESULTS IN PENALTY
The case began when David Sánchez was appointed to the position of "coordinator of conservatory activities" within the Badajoz Provincial Council in 2017, during a period when he was unemployed. The rejection of 10 other applicants for this senior management position and allegations that Sánchez used his influence to secure the role led to claims of irregularities.
A verdict was reached in the case heard at the Badajoz Provincial Court. David Sánchez was acquitted of the 3-year prison sentence sought but received a 9-year ban from public office for the crime of "participation in administrative misconduct." The defendant has the right to appeal the decision.
In the same case, Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the former leader of the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in the Extremadura autonomous region, received a harsher sentence, being banned from public office for 18 years.
WIFE AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER ALSO UNDER SCRUTINY
The trial involving his brother is not the only legal process shaking Prime Minister Sánchez. The investigation into Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, for "influence peddling, corruption in business, embezzlement, and misconduct" continues to deepen. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who is leading the investigation, recently temporarily seized Gómez's passport, citing a risk of flight.
Meanwhile, former PSOE Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is also under investigation for allegations of forming a criminal organization, document forgery, money laundering, and influence peddling.
SÁNCHEZ'S "POLITICAL LYNCHING" DEFENSE
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, commenting on these legal processes targeting his inner circle and party, denies the allegations. Sánchez argues that these accusations, put forward by far-right groups and opposition parties, are entirely politically motivated, describing the events as an organized "smear campaign" against him and his government.