The wife of a powerful European prime minister has had her passport revoked.

A former minister in the government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption-related offenses, marking one of the most significant legal developments involving high-ranking officials within Spain's ruling Socialist Party. The verdict was handed down by the Supreme Court following a trial that examined multiple charges against José Luis Abalos, who previously served as the Minister of Transport under Sánchez’s administration. This case represents the first major judicial outcome among several ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct by members of the governing party.

The court found Abalos guilty of accepting bribes during the purchase of face masks worth approximately $60 million during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he was convicted for undermining public trust by violating ethical standards while holding a prominent public office. In its ruling, the court emphasized how such actions erode institutional legitimacy and threaten the stability of democratic systems. However, due to Spanish law, which limits the actual time served to about 16.5 years, Abalos will not serve the full duration of his sentence.

This sentencing comes amid a broader wave of investigations targeting individuals close to Prime Minister Sánchez. More than ten people associated with him are currently under investigation or facing trial, including his wife, Begoña Gómez, and his brother, David Sánchez. Notably, former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, also a member of the Socialist Party, is being investigated for alleged involvement in organized crime, influence peddling, and document forgery related to a small airline company's credit arrangements. Zapatero denies all allegations, and Sánchez has stated that his government fully cooperates with the judiciary and respects the presumption of innocence.

Prime Minister Sánchez himself has not been directly implicated in any of these cases, but the series of scandals surrounding his inner circle has raised concerns about the integrity of his leadership. He came to power nearly eight years ago after ousting the right-center Popular Party (PP), which had been embroiled in its own corruption scandal. At that time, Sánchez promised political reform and transparency, positioning himself as a clean alternative to the previous administration.

Public concern over corruption in Spain has decreased significantly compared to a decade ago, but recent surveys indicate that it is becoming a more pressing issue for voters. Political analyst Luis Cornago-Bonal noted that the increasing number of allegations against both the government and opposition could lead to prolonged periods of public dissatisfaction and deeper polarization within the country.

The latest legal action against Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, further intensified scrutiny on the prime minister’s administration. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered her to appear before the court and banned her from leaving the country, citing allegations of abuse of influence, corruption in business dealings, and misuse of funds. She is accused of using her marriage to Sánchez to advance her career at a Madrid university. Both she and Sánchez have categorically denied the charges, with Sánchez describing the proceedings as politically motivated and a “grotesque farce.”

The investigation into Gómez began in 2024 when the anti-corruption organization Manos Limpias submitted a complaint against her for alleged influence peddling. Following this, Sánchez withdrew from public life for several days, stating that he needed time to reflect on whether to continue serving as prime minister. The case has drawn criticism from some commentators who argue that the measures taken against Gómez are disproportionate, given that she is already under constant police protection, making it difficult for her to travel abroad. Others have questioned the impartiality and restraint expected from the judiciary in handling such sensitive matters.

In addition to Gómez, other figures close to Sánchez have faced legal challenges. Police have searched the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party, and several of Sánchez’s closest allies have come under investigation. These include former Prime Minister Zapatero and José Luis Ábalos, who spent seven months in custody before his trial commenced earlier this year. Ábalos was charged with receiving bribes during the procurement of protective masks during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Sánchez’s brother, David Sánchez, faces charges of influence peddling in connection with his appointment to a local position nine years ago. Although Sánchez himself has not been formally investigated, the accumulation of these scandals has placed pressure on his leadership and the stability of his coalition government, which includes Catalan and Basque separatist parties.

As the legal proceedings continue, the political landscape in Spain remains uncertain. While the government has ruled out early elections, the growing number of corruption-related cases could impact public perception and potentially influence future electoral outcomes. The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining political authority and addressing legitimate concerns about governance and accountability.