Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez threatens to resign over wife’s corruption scandal

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has confirmed he is mulling over whether to resign after a court launched a business corruption probe into his wife’s private dealings.

Sanchez announced he will “reflect and decide” whether he will remain in post yesterday, adding it will put to bed if he “should continue to lead the Government or renounce this honour”.

The 52-year-old said on Wednesday he would announce his decision on April 29.

He added: “I need to pause and think. At this point, I have to ask myself: Is it all worth it?

“I will cancel my public agenda for a few days in order to reflect and decide which path to take.”

Sanchez’s comments come after a Spanish court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife Begona Gomez amid allegations of influence peddling and corruption.

The court did not provide further details as the case is sealed and in early stages.

It was followed by a complaint raised by Manos Limpias.

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The group is led by a figure who is linked with Spain’s far-right.

Despite the preliminary court probe, Sanchez has denied allegations against his wife and stressed the couple will cooperate with the investigation to defend her innocence.

Manos Limpia alleged Gomez received benefits from Air Europa and its Spanish parent company Globalia while serving as director of an African research centre at Madrid’s IE Business School until 2022.

IE Business has denied receiving any financial support from Globalia or its entities.

Sanchez, who accused his opponents of politically targeting his wife, said in a statement: “I am not naive.

“I realise they are denouncing Begoña, not because she has done anything illegal – they know there is no case – but because she is my wife.”

Sanchez, who came to power after leading a no-confidence vote in 2018 against Mariano Rajoy of the PP, called snap elections last year.

He formed an administration after entering into a controversial pact with regional parties.

The 52-year-old granted amnesty to Catalans who were involved in a 2017 independence push.