Pedro Sánchez Declares as Witness in Begoña Gómez Case, Disrupting Government Agenda
This Tuesday, Pedro Sánchez's testimony as a witness before the judge investigating the Begoña Gómez case has disrupted the government's schedule and overshadowed the political year's end. Despite attempts by Sánchez's team to maintain a calm demeanor, they acknowledge that they anticipated the situation could escalate, citing Vox and the Popular Party's involvement in the accusation as potential catalysts. In a previous open letter, Sánchez had predicted a "campaign of harassment and demolition" orchestrated by a "coalition of right-wing and far-right interests" aimed at personal and political destruction.
The unexpected testimony has altered Sánchez's plans, including postponing his traditional year-end press conference. Originally scheduled for Monday, this address was moved after Judge Juan Carlos Peinado decided to take Sánchez's testimony in person at Moncloa, rejecting Sánchez's request to submit a written statement. Moncloa responded by hastily arranging Sánchez's participation in an event on housing, initially intended to feature only other government officials.
In his remarks at the event, Sánchez emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring access to affordable housing, framing it as a constitutional right and a fundamental pillar of the welfare state. This aligns with the government's narrative of adhering to a progressive agenda despite what they describe as a destabilization effort by right-wing factions. As part of these efforts, a significant agreement was signed with the Official Credit Institute (ICO) to mobilize 6 billion euros for loans and guarantees to promote 43,000 social and affordable rental homes.
The Partido Popular (PP) quickly criticized Sánchez, accusing him of using housing policy as a political tool. They pointed out that he had previously promised 184,000 homes during the 2023 election campaign and now announced an additional 43,000 just before his court appearance. The PP reiterated their call for early elections, as previously suggested by party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.
Amid efforts to project normalcy and cooperation with the judiciary, the government has raised concerns about unresolved legal challenges to the president's testimony. The prosecutor's office and the defense attorney for Begoña Gómez have expressed frustration over Judge Peinado's handling of these matters. The Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) released a video suggesting irregularities in the investigation, hinting at a connection between Peinado and the Madrid Community President, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
The government's spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, recently described the investigation as "prospective," which, she noted, is legally prohibited in Spain. Meanwhile, the Association of Professional Judges (APM) has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, protesting the attacks against Judge Peinado linked to the investigation involving Begoña Gómez.
Sánchez's testimony marks a significant moment as the political year concludes, coinciding with the anniversary of the last general elections and awaiting the ratification of a pre-agreement between ERC and the PSC for Salvador Illa's investiture. Following the last Council of Ministers meeting before the August break, Sánchez will travel to Mallorca for the traditional summer meeting with King Felipe VI at the Palacio de Miravent.
