News - Spain PM decides to stay in office despite wife's graft probe

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that he will not leave his post, despite the court's decision to open an investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. "I have decided to carry on as the head of the government with even more strength, if possible, [to work] as the head of the Spanish government," Sanchez said in a speech that was broadcast on the Spanish government website. "My wife and I know that this smear campaign will not stop, we have suffered from it for 10 years, we will overcome it," added Sanchez, who took over as prime minister in 2018. On April 24, a Spanish court announced the opening of an investigation against Gomez on suspicion of using business connections and corruption. The respective lawsuit was filed by the Manos Limpias (Clean Hands)syndicate, which admitted that the aforesaid accusations were based on press reports. The Madrid state prosecutor's office has already asked to close the investigation. According to El Confidencial newspaper, the case centers on Gomez's relationship with several private companies that received funds and public contracts from the Spanish government. After the investigation began, the Spanish PM canceled his public events to consider whether to stay in office. Also, Sanchez blamed the country's right and far-right political forces for the unprecedented attacks against Gomez. Demonstrations in support of Sanchez were held in Madrid in recent days.