Another charge of influence peddling was dismissed, so no prison term was imposed.
While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez goes around the world posing as a statesman in NATO and EU forums, back home, his party, his inner circle, and even his family are endlessly plagued with corruption scandals and investigations.
Less than a month ago, reports arose about Sánchez’s wife’s grift prosecution: Spanish PM Sánchez’s Wife, Begoña Gomez, Can’t Leave the Country While Standing Trial for Corruption
And today (14), David Sánchez, Pedro’s brother, was convicted of nepotism and administrative misconduct and banned from holding public office for nine years.
Reuters reported:
“The ruling deals a fresh political blow to the Socialist premier, whose government and inner circle have faced corruption investigations and scandals over the past two years. Last month, a former close aide to Sánchez was sentenced to 24 years in prison in a separate corruption case.
David Sánchez was accused of benefiting from an appointment tailored to him because of his family connection to the prime minister, who when the job was awarded had just been elected leader of the Socialists when they were still in opposition. The prime minister has dismissed the case as part of a politically motivated campaign driven by the far right.”
The Badajoz court found that the position was created without administrative need, serving only the PM’s brother’s personal interests.
“The defendants engaged in a grossly arbitrary exercise of power with the sole aim of favoring specific individuals,” the ruling said, adding that one of the posts was later modified to accommodate David Sánchez’s interest in opera.
The court dismissed the charge of influence peddling, which could have carried a prison sentence. Right-wing pressure groups had sought prison time for Sánchez, while prosecutors requested the case be dismissed.”
Hellbound and Down 