In a significant ruling, a Spanish court has banned David Sanchez, the brother of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, from holding public office for nine years. The court convicted him of administrative misconduct for his role in securing a public-sector job specifically created for him. The position, coordinator of music conservatories in the province of Badajoz, was deemed unnecessary and tailored to serve private interests rather than the public good.
The court in the Extremadura region found that the job, which later transformed into the head of the province's performing arts office, was neither necessary nor urgent. It was created to benefit David Sanchez, a composer and orchestra director with an international career. Despite being cleared of influence peddling, the court imposed a nine-year ban on holding public office and exercising voting rights.
David Sanchez was tried alongside ten other defendants. Prosecutors allege the position was created in 2016, before Pedro Sanchez became prime minister in 2018, and David remained in the post until early 2025. The job fell under the authority of the provincial council of Badajoz, governed by the Socialist Party at the time.
Government spokeswoman Elma Saiz expressed confidence in the justice system, stating they believe higher courts will confirm David Sanchez's innocence. Transport Minister Oscar Puente suggested the case is part of a broader effort to destabilize the government. This ruling adds to a series of corruption-related investigations involving figures close to Pedro Sanchez, raising doubts about the viability of his minority left-wing coalition.
Former right-hand man Jose Luis Abalos was sentenced to 24 years in prison for corruption last month, and Pedro Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, is under investigation for alleged influence peddling. Former Socialist prime minister Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, an ally of Sanchez, is also under investigation for alleged influence peddling linked to kickbacks.
