Decision of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
The European Prosecutor’s Office has informed the Vox party, with an ultra-conservative tendency, that it will not allow them to exercise the popular accusation in the investigation process that is being carried out to determine whether there are irregularities in two contracts that were financed with resources from the European Union. This investigation is unrelated to the case involving Begoña Gómez, wife of the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, which is directed by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in the Investigative Court number 41 of Madrid, for possible influence peddling.
Vox’s reaction to the refusal
According to information from Europa Press, Vox’s national legal coordinator, Marta Castro, has indicated that the far-right party will appeal this decision, arguing that Spanish legislation grants popular accusations the right to receive effective judicial protection. The investigation by the European Prosecutor’s Office focuses on two subsidies that were granted to the Temporary Union of Companies Innova Next SLU – The Valley Business School by the public entity Red.es.
Legislative context in Spain
It is important to mention that Spain is the only country in Europe that allows political parties and unions to act as popular accusations in criminal proceedings. This situation has been the subject of criticism by the Supreme Court and was already addressed in the draft reform of the Criminal Procedure Law (LECrim) that was presented in 2011.
Vox demands transparency
The Vox party lawyer has expressed her desire to “know and intervene” in the proceedings related to this case, ensuring that it is essential to avoid establishing an “opaque procedure” where they cannot have access to information about what is being investigated. . This concern arises after the party formally requested on July 6 of this year its participation as a popular accusation in the case opened in June by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Investigation details
The investigation led by the European Prosecutor’s Office specifically involves two contracts that were awarded to a joint venture that includes a company linked to businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés, who has been charged after appearing as a witness. These contracts were carried out through public awards by Red.es, which were financed with funds from the European Union. The case arose as a result of a complaint filed by the Manos Liminas association, which alleges that Begoña Gómez, “taking advantage of her personal status as the wife of the president of the Spanish Government,” was involved in supporting businessmen who were bidding for tenders through letters. public.
Complications in the investigation
The investigation surrounding Begoña Gómez has been surrounded by controversies regarding how the process is being carried out by Judge Peinado. A recent controversial event is the summons made to President Pedro Sánchez as a witness for next July 30, which has been shaped using references to articles of the law that do not exist. The magistrate will go to La Moncloa to take a statement, and it is possible that Sánchez will choose not to testify against his wife, a dispensation that is contemplated in article 416 of the LECrim, which protects direct relatives, ascendants and descendants. , as well as the spouse.
