Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s brother has stepped down from his government role following a judge’s suggestion that the position may have been created specifically for him.
David Sánchez (left, in main image) resigned from his role as a regional music director after being placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement, influence peddling, misuse of public funds, and tax and social security fraud linked to his appointment. ALSO READ: Spanish government slams ‘trumped-up’ charge against PM’s brother.
The case was initiated after a complaint by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), an activist group with ties to the far right. The same organisation was behind legal proceedings against Begoña Gómez, the wife of the socialist (PSOE) prime minister, over alleged corruption and influence peddling. ALSO READ: Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish PM, denies wrongdoing in graft investigation hearing.
Back in April, Pedro Sánchez temporarily withdrew from public duties for five days as a court launched an inquiry into his wife – a move he denounced as politically motivated.
The prime minister is also facing scrutiny over separate corruption scandals, including one involving his former close ally and minister, José Luis Ábalos. ALSO READ: Former Spanish transport minister denies corruption allegations in court.
There is also another case in which Spain’s attorney general is being investigated for allegedly leaking court documents related to the partner of a right-wing political opponent. ALSO READ: Spain’s Attorney General attends court to testify in legal leaks case.
In a ruling last week, the judge highlighted David Sánchez’s position as head of the performing arts office within the provincial government of Badajoz, located in the western region of Extremadura.
The judge pointed to possible irregularities in both the creation of the role and the process by which it was assigned, stating that ‘everything seems to indicate that the post was established with the intention of awarding it’ to the prime minister’s brother.
According to the judge, the working conditions and responsibilities tied to the job were adjusted to align with David Sánchez’s ‘personal preferences’, allowing him to avoid daily attendance at the office.
‘There is no greater indication of the arbitrariness of the creation of a post than the lack of need for it, the speed with which it is filled … the fact that it is filled when the candidate for whom it is intended is, precisely, looking for work,’ she noted.
A police report indicated that the position of conservatory activities coordinator in Badajoz was hastily introduced in October 2016. At that time, Pedro Sánchez had just been ousted as secretary-general of the PSOE after a fierce internal struggle. The report also pointed out that the role was created without specifying any ‘original needs’ that justified its existence.
While the investigation ruled out any illicit personal enrichment on David Sánchez’s part, and the judge determined he had not committed tax fraud, the case remains ongoing.
Among those also under investigation are Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the PSOE’s secretary-general in Extremadura, along with seven other individuals.
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