The brother of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, David Sánchez, was found guilty of an administrative offense on Tuesday and barred from holding public office for nine years.
The case involves his appointment to a management position in the cultural sector in the province of Badajoz in 2017. This verdict represents another political setback for the socialist prime minister, whose government and inner circle have faced a series of investigations and scandals related to corruption over the past two years.
Last month, a former close aide to Pedro Sánchez was sentenced to 24 years in prison in a separate corruption case.
Charges and court decision
David Sánchez was accused of securing a position created specifically for him due to his familial ties with the prime minister. Pedro Sánchez has dismissed these allegations, claiming they are part of a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by the far right.
The Badajoz court determined that the position was established without genuine official need, specifically to appoint David Sánchez. The role involved overseeing the music conservatories in the province.
“The defendants committed a gross arbitrary use of power with the sole purpose of benefiting specific individuals,” the court’s ruling stated. The court also noted that one of the positions was later modified to align with David Sánchez’s interest in opera.
Source: The Straits Times
