Last Wednesday, around seven in the afternoon, the Spanish political board was in check when The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, announced the cancellation of his public agenda to take five days of reflexion and thus be able to “decide which path to take.” It happened just after a judge opened proceedings against his wife for alleged crimes of influence peddling and private corruption. But what exactly are these concepts?
The complaint has been filed by Clean handswho considers that Begoña “has been recommending or endorsing businessmen by letter of recommendation with their signature who participated in public tenders” allegedly taking advantage of her status as the wife of the President of the Government.
What is influence peddling?
Influence peddling is a practice that involves the improper use of personal or political influence to obtain some type of benefit, either for oneself or for others, and is considered a crime in Spain, included in article 428 of the Penal Code.
This may include obtaining favors, privileges, contracts, jobs or any other type of advantage by manipulating relationships, connections or influence. Furthermore, in many cases, it involves the improper use of a person’s position of power, such as a politicianor, a public figure, an influential businessman or any other person with authority or capacity to influence, to obtain unfair or illegal advantages.
What penalties could Begoña Gómez face?
Begoña Gómez could face ”prison sentences of six months to two years, a fine of up to twice the benefit sought or obtained and special disqualification for employment or public office and for the exercise of the right to passive suffrage for a period of five to nine years”, according to article 428 of the Penal Code.
Furthermore, with the accusation of corruption in businessthe sentence could be six to four yearsin addition to fines and disqualification from exercising business or professional activity.
