Spain’s Justice Minister Félix Bolaños Faces Supreme Court Probe Over Embezzlement and Perjury Allegations
Spain’s Justice Minister Faces Supreme Court Probe Over Alleged Embezzlement and False Testimony
Judge requests investigation into Félix Bolaños’ role in appointment of advisor to Prime Minister’s wife, as corruption allegations mount against PSOE government.
Spain’s political scene is once again under intense scrutiny after Judge Juan Carlos Peinado formally requested that the country’s Supreme Court open an investigation into Justice Minister Félix Bolaños for alleged embezzlement of public funds and perjury.
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The development is linked to an ongoing case involving Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is under investigation for alleged influence peddling in her professional activities. The fresh probe centres on the controversial hiring of an advisor to Gómez, raising serious questions about the inner workings of Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE).
Why the Supreme Court Is Involved
Judge Peinado, who is leading the investigation into Begoña Gómez, submitted the formal request on Tuesday, asking the Supreme Court to examine whether Bolaños misused public funds and lied under oath. As a sitting government minister and member of the Spanish Cabinet, Bolaños cannot be directly investigated by a lower court due to jurisdictional limitations. Only the Supreme Court has the authority to investigate a high-ranking official of this stature.
The judge's request relates to the appointment of Cristina Álvarez, who has reportedly served as an advisor to Gómez since 2018. Despite being paid with public funds, Álvarez is alleged to have performed private and non-governmental tasks, raising serious concerns about the misuse of taxpayer money.
Bolaños’ Testimony Called Into Question
The controversy deepened after Bolaños testified as a witness in April 2025, denying any involvement in Álvarez’s appointment. However, Judge Peinado now believes the minister may have knowingly provided false testimony. According to reports from Spanish media citing the judge’s filing, Bolaños' sworn statement "does not conform to the truth that he knew," suggesting deliberate perjury.
Before his appointment as justice minister in 2021, Bolaños served as Secretary General of the Presidency, a role in which he may have had influence over staffing decisions. The judge is seeking clarity on whether Bolaños directly participated in or approved Álvarez’s appointment during his tenure in that capacity.
Background: The Gómez Investigation
The broader investigation into Begoña Gómez was launched in April 2024 following a complaint filed by Manos Limpias (“Clean Hands”), a right-wing pressure group known for bringing legal actions against politicians. The group’s case is based on media reports alleging that Gómez leveraged her proximity to power to secure corporate sponsorships for a university program she directed.
Prime Minister Sánchez has denounced the allegations as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to discredit his family and government. He maintains that his wife has committed no wrongdoing and has received backing from PSOE party leadership.
Growing Corruption Clouds Over PSOE
The request to investigate Bolaños comes amid a growing tide of corruption scandals affecting the PSOE-led government. Earlier this month, Santos Cerdán, the party’s organisational secretary, resigned after a judge ruled there was evidence suggesting his involvement in bribery related to public construction contracts.
In a separate incident, leaked audio recordings allegedly show a former PSOE member attempting to orchestrate a smear campaign against the Guardia Civil’s anti-corruption unit. These developments have left the government grappling with serious reputational damage just as it tries to stabilise its legislative agenda.
Government Stands by Bolaños
Despite the growing pressure, the government has shown no signs of abandoning Bolaños. According to reports by RTVE, sources from Moncloa, the official seat of government, have confirmed that Prime Minister Sánchez continues to support his justice minister. For now, the administration is standing firm, insisting on Bolaños’ innocence and framing the latest judicial development as part of a broader political offensive.
What Comes Next?
It is now up to the Spanish Supreme Court to decide whether the allegations against Bolaños merit a full investigation and possible indictment. If the court proceeds, it could have major implications for the Sánchez government and its ability to manage a growing list of legal and ethical challenges.
This latest controversy not only risks derailing the political careers of key PSOE figures but also further undermines public trust in government institutions. With opposition parties already calling for greater accountability and transparency, the coming weeks could prove critical for both Félix Bolaños and the wider fate of the Sánchez administration.
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Spain’s Justice Minister Félix Bolaños faces a Supreme Court probe over alleged embezzlement and false testimony tied to hiring an advisor to PM Pedro Sánchez’s wife. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado requests investigation amid rising political scandals.