The brother of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will face trial on charges of malfeasance and influence peddling, deepening the political storm around the Socialist leader’s government.
Badajoz’s Provincial Court ruled Tuesday that there is “sufficient evidence” to bring David Sánchez, a classical musician and former coordinator of conservatories at the provincial council, to trial alongside ten others. Among the accused is Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the Socialist leader in Extremadura, who prosecutors say helped create a tailor-made public post for Sánchez’s brother.
According to Reuters, the case stems from a 2024 complaint filed by the far-right union Manos Limpias, which alleged that David Sánchez lived in Portugal to avoid Spanish taxes while neglecting his duties in Spain. He has denied all wrongdoing.
Political pressure mounting on Sánchez
The prime minister has repeatedly defended his brother’s innocence in public, describing the charges as politically motivated. Responding to questions about investigations involving both his wife and brother, Sánchez criticized what he called judicial interference in politics. “There are judges engaging in politics and politicians administering justice,” he said.
The corruption probes add to the mounting challenges for Spain’s fragile minority coalition, with former cabinet members, senior Socialist officials, and now relatives of the prime minister linked to allegations of kickbacks, rigged tenders, and misuse of public funds.
While David Sánchez prepares to face trial, the case is expected to further intensify scrutiny on the prime minister, who has long accused political opponents of weaponizing the judiciary to undermine his government.