The brother of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has become the first relative of a sitting premier in the country’s democratic history to stand trial in a corruption case, adding to mounting pressure on the socialist (PSOE) leader’s government.
David Sánchez (right, main image), an artist, composer and orchestra conductor also known as David Azagra, appeared before the Audiencia de Badajoz on Thursday alongside 11 other defendants, including Miguel Ángel Gallardo (left, main image), the former leader of the PSOE in Extremadura.
The defendants face charges including influence peddling and administrative prevarication, while prosecutors also accuse them of abuse of office. All deny wrongdoing.
The case centres on David Sánchez’s appointment to a senior cultural management role within the provincial council of Badajoz in the Extremadura region. Prosecutors allege that the position — initially created in 2016 as coordinator of music conservatories before later becoming head of the province’s performing arts office — was tailor-made for the prime minister’s brother. ALSO READ: Spanish PM’s brother David Sánchez quits state role after judge suggests it was ‘created for him’.
According to investigators, Sánchez did not meet the requirements for the post and failed to regularly attend work. Prosecutors say the role was created before Pedro Sánchez became prime minister in 2018. Court documents indicate David Sánchez remained in the position until at least early 2025.
The job fell under the authority of the Badajoz provincial council, which at the time was governed by the socialists. ALSO READ: Spanish government slams ‘trumped-up’ charge against PM’s brother.
Sánchez arrived at court through a rear entrance on Thursday morning and declined to answer questions from reporters.
The trial, which opened with preliminary hearings, is expected to examine whether the appointment complied with legal requirements or amounted to political nepotism — known in Spain as ‘enchufismo’ — because of his family ties.
Presiding judge José Antonio Patrocinio said proceedings could continue until mid-June, with hearings currently scheduled through to 10 June.
During the opening session, defence lawyers launched strong attacks on both the investigation and the origins of the case, calling for proceedings to be dismissed.
Emilio Cortés, representing David Sánchez, argued that the main alleged offence had exceeded the statute of limitations and requested the case be annulled over alleged violations of fundamental rights.
He claimed parts of the prosecution case were ‘a pure fabrication’ driven by political motives and described the investigation as an improper ‘fishing expedition’ based largely on press reports. Cortés also alleged that his client’s rights had been violated through the mass seizure of emails.
Other defence lawyers sought to distance their clients from the core accusations. Lawyers representing provincial council officials argued that administrative signatures were treated as routine procedures and denied any knowledge that the role had been specially designed for the prime minister’s brother.
The trial began just one day after police searched the Madrid headquarters of the ruling PSOE as part of a separate investigation into alleged attempts to obstruct judicial proceedings involving the party. ALSO READ: Spanish anti-corruption police seize documents from ruling socialist party HQ.
The case further deepens the legal and political troubles surrounding Pedro Sánchez’s inner circle and minority coalition government.
His wife, Begoña Gómez, is under investigation in a separate corruption inquiry, while former transport minister José Luis Ábalos — once one of Sánchez’s closest political allies — is awaiting a verdict in his own corruption case after his trial concluded earlier this month. ALSO READ: Businessman seeks to implicate Sánchez in corruption trial as PSOE vow legal action over ‘slander’.
Last week, a court also placed former socialist prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, another Sánchez ally, under formal investigation for alleged influence peddling and other crimes. ALSO READ: Sánchez continues to back Zapatero during visit with Pope amid mounting corruption probes.
Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly rejected opposition demands for an early general election. ALSO READ: Andalusia leaves Sánchez politically weakened as Spain edges further towards a PP-Vox era.
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La defensa de David Sánchez plantea varias cuestiones de nulidad y, sobre la creación de la plaza para el hermano del presidente, asegura que el delito habría prescrito.
Informa Juanrra Martín (@RTVE_Ext) https://t.co/YG2YEjG94v pic.twitter.com/KXmtUmuqjp— RTVE Noticias (@rtvenoticias) May 28, 2026
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