A Spanish investigative judge has summoned the wife of Spain鈥檚 prime minister to give testimony as part of an investigation into allegations that she used her position to influence business deals, a Madrid-based court said Tuesday.
Bego帽a G贸mez is to appear at court on July 5 to answer questions.
G贸mez has yet to speak publicly on the case, but Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S谩nchez has called it a 鈥渟mear campaign鈥 to damage Spain鈥檚 leftist coalition government led by his Socialist party.
The investigation is based on allegations against G贸mez made by a group called Manos Limpias, or 鈥淐lean Hands.鈥 Manos Limpias describes itself as a union, but its main activity is as a platform pursuing legal cases. Many have been linked to right-wing causes targeting leftist politicians, and most of them never succeed.
After the investigation was launched in April, S谩nchez stunned the nation by saying he would contemplate stepping down for what he said was the 鈥渁ttack without precedent鈥 against his wife. After five days of silence, S谩nchez said he had decided to remain in office.
The summoning of G贸mez comes before this week's European Parliament election, with Spaniards voting on Sunday. Far-right parties across Europe aim for big gains.
鈥淚 want to express our surprise for the fact and coincidence that this news is coming out precisely this week,鈥 said Pilar Alegr铆a, spokeswoman for Spain鈥檚 government.
鈥淲e are absolutely calm because we know there is nothing (to the allegations),鈥 Alegr铆a said. 鈥淲hat does exist is a mudslinging campaign by the right and far right.鈥
Manos Limpias has said its allegations against G贸mez were entirely based on media reports: 鈥淚f they are not true, it would be up to those who published them to admit to their falsehood, but if they are true, then we believe that the legal case should continue forward.鈥
Spain鈥檚 public prosecutors鈥 office recommended the probe be thrown out, but a provincial court ruled that the lower-court judge could continue the investigation. The judge will either table the probe or recommend it go to trial.
Earlier this year, Spain鈥檚 government watchdog for conflicts of interest tossed out a complaint made by the Popular Party against S谩nchez in which the opposition party claimed that G贸mez had influenced her husband in a decision related to an airline.
G贸mez, 49, does not hold public office and maintains a low political profile. She studied marketing and has been involved with fundraising projects and non-governmental organizations.
The Popular Party insisted that S谩nchez should offer explanations.
鈥淭hat the prime minister鈥檚 wife is under investigation and has been summoned for questioning does not mean that she will be found guilty, but it does obligate S谩nchez to immediately accept his political responsibility,鈥 party leader Alberto N煤帽ez Feij贸o said.
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