The High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) has issued a significant ruling, obliging the Spanish government to investigate the actions of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez concerning the bailout of Air Europa and the business activities of his wife, Begoña Gómez. This order follows a complaint filed by the conservative Popular Party (PP), which alleges conflicts of interest on the part of the head of government.
TSJM Orders Investigation into Air Europa Bailout
The TSJM’s ruling instructs the Office for Conflicts of Interest, part of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, to admit the complaint filed by the PP in March 2024 against Pedro Sánchez and to initiate a comprehensive investigation. Previously, the Secretary of State for Public Service and the Office for Conflicts of Interest had archived the PP’s complaint, prompting the party to file an administrative appeal with the TSJ Madrid.
The judges justify their decision by stating that the PP’s complaint “must be processed with an investigative activity in this regard.” They emphasize that once the investigation is conducted, a reasoned decision must be issued, which also includes a ruling on the requested evidence. The court criticized the lack of “minimal investigative activity” to date and confirmed the PP’s right to file such a complaint and challenge its archiving.
PP’s Accusations and Background
The PP accuses Pedro Sánchez of not recusing himself in the Air Europa bailout due to potential conflicts of interest related to his wife Begoña Gómez’s business connections. The Office for Conflicts of Interest had initially rejected the PP’s complaint, arguing that Begoña Gómez had no employment or professional relationship with Air Europa that involved advisory or management functions.
Sources within the PP welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it now compels the Spanish government to “initiate an investigation into the alleged conflict of interest of the President in promoting the bailout of Air Europa and the other companies in the group, after being explicitly urged to do so by his wife, while Begoña Gómez received income from the company.” The party argues that Pedro Sánchez allocated public funds to companies that financially benefited his wife and therefore demands an investigation into his direct involvement in these decisions. “The PP asked for it, the government preferred not to do it. Now the judicial system agrees with us,” said party sources.
This judicial order could have far-reaching political consequences for the Spanish government and Pedro Sánchez personally, potentially triggering an intense debate about transparency and conflicts of interest in politics.
