Spain’s Justice Minister, Félix Bolaños, is currently facing serious scrutiny over allegations of embezzlement and perjury. This inquiry was initiated when Judge Juan Carlos Peinado petitioned the Supreme Court of Spain to investigate Bolaños, focusing on his involvement in the hiring of an advisor for Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Judge Peinado, who is investigating Gómez for possible influence peddling, claims that Bolaños’s potential offences are linked to this advisor, Cristina Álvarez, who has allegedly been compensated with public funds while also conducting private tasks.
Due to Bolaños’s position in the government, Judge Peinado lacks the jurisdiction to conduct an investigation himself, prompting the request for the Supreme Court’s involvement. During a previous testimony where Bolaños appeared as a witness, he maintained that he did not play a role in Álvarez’s appointment, a statement now under scrutiny as it may not align with the truth known to him at that time. The situation has evolved, raising questions about Bolaños’s integrity and whether he directly influenced the hiring decision for the advisor in question.
The investigation began in April 2024, after a complaint from the anti-corruption group, Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which has a track record of targeting politicians with legal action. This group alleges that Gómez exploited her influence to attract sponsors for a university course she was running. Prime Minister Sánchez has consistently denounced the proceedings against his wife, characterizing them as politically motivated attacks intended to undermine his government.
As the inquiry into Bolaños unfolds, the PSOE government, currently led by Sánchez, is already grappling with other corruption allegations. Noteworthy is the recent resignation of Santos Cerdán, the PSOE’s organisational secretary, after a judge uncovered evidence that he might have been involved in bribery related to public construction contracts. Such developments place increased pressure on the ruling party amid a climate of heightened scrutiny regarding its governance and accountability.
Complicating matters further, there have been leaked audio recordings purportedly revealing a former PSOE associate attempting to orchestrate a smear campaign against the Guardia Civil’s anti-corruption unit. This series of events has fomented discord and unease within the government, casting a shadow over its commitment to transparency and ethical governance. The allegations paint a concerning picture about potential misconduct within the PSOE, highlighting systemic challenges in addressing corruption at various levels.
In light of these issues, sources from Moncloa have expressed their support for Bolaños, indicating that the government stands resolutely behind him during this turbulent period. However, the forthcoming decision from the Supreme Court will be crucial in determining whether the investigation will move forward and if any charges will be brought against the Justice Minister. As the political landscape continues to evolve, both the PSOE government and its leaders are at a critical crossroads that may significantly influence their future operations and public perception.
