David Sánchez, the brother of Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been banned from holding public office for nine years after being found guilty of administrative misconduct. The conviction stems from his hiring by a socialist-led council in the south-western region of Extremadura in July 2017, when his brother was leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) but not yet prime minister.
Details of the Trial and Verdict
David Sánchez, a composer and orchestra conductor, was one of 11 people who went on trial in May accused of influence peddling and misuse of office. The case originated from a complaint by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a self-styled trade union with far-right links that often uses the courts to pursue those it considers a threat to Spain's democratic interests. The complaint alleged that Sánchez was given a bespoke job as coordinator of public music schools by the socialist-led council of Badajoz province.
On Tuesday, a court in Badajoz found Sánchez guilty of administrative misconduct but cleared him of influence peddling. The court ruled that the creation of the job was not “necessary or urgent” and was developed “in the particular interest of its assignee and not in the general interest.” However, it also stated that it had not been proved that anyone exerted pressure or influence. If convicted of influence peddling, Sánchez could have faced a three-year prison sentence.
Co-Defendants and Broader Context
Nine of Sánchez's co-defendants were also found guilty of administrative misconduct and handed nine-year bans from public office. Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the PSOE's former leader in Extremadura, was banned for 18 years after being found guilty of two counts of misconduct. The verdicts can be appealed. Pedro Sánchez has previously accused his political and media enemies of launching a “harassment and bullying operation” against his family.
His wife, Begoña Gómez, faces trial after being charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds related to her post at Madrid's Complutense University. The prime minister maintains that his wife and brother are victims of politically motivated smear campaigns, stating, “The truth will come out in the end. My brother and my wife are innocent.”
Political Reactions
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People's Party (PP), said this was the third case involving a member of the prime minister's circle to result in a conviction. He noted that “it speaks well of our rule of law that no one is above the law, no matter which family they belong to.” Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, labeled the PSOE a “mafia” following the conviction.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente suggested opponents were using the courts to achieve what they could not at the ballot box. Government spokesperson Elma Saiz expressed trust in the justice system, saying, “We trust in justice and think that David Sánchez's innocence – in which we believe – will be established by higher courts.”
