On July 30, the President of the Government testified at the Moncloa Palace before Judge Peinado, who is investigating the case of alleged corruption and influence peddling against his wife Begoña Gómez. Today, the judge handed over to the parties the recorded conversation, to which ABC had access.
In just over a minute and a half, Pedro Sánchez took advantage of his right not to testify because of his relationship with the person being investigated. “She’s my wife,” he said.
The full transcript
“Judge’s Hairstyle
Hello. Hello. Hello. Can you tell us your first and last name, please?
Pedro Sanchez
Pedro Sanchez. Pérez-Castejon.
Judge’s Hairstyle
Listen, it is about showing constant diligence when recording a statement. If you want to declare. So I inform you below. In a procedure that is being followed before the Court of Instruction number 41 of Madrid with the number of preliminary proceedings 1146 2024. In this procedure, three people currently have the status of indicted persons.
Judge’s Hairstyle
And I’m going to ask you if you have any relationship with any of them. The first of them is called Doña Begoña Gómez Hernández. Do you have any family ties with this person? Friendship, enmity?
Pedro Sanchez
This is my wife.
Judge’s Hairstyle
Thank you very much. Regarding Don Juan Carlos Barrabés?
Pedro Sanchez
No.
Judge’s Hairstyle
And what about Don Joaquín Goñi?
Pedro Sanchez
Neither.
Judge’s Hairstyle
Therefore, you stated that one of the people under investigation was your wife. You are exempt from declaring anything that could harm you. If it is true that there are two other people with whom you stated that you have no type of relationship, but also the same article that exempts you from testifying regarding your wife. Do you consider the possibility that he will not declare anything that could harm or compromise his wife?
Judge’s Hairstyle
Once I think that is sufficiently informed. The first thing I have to ask you is whether you are going to take advantage of the exemption from testimony or, on the contrary, whether you wish to make a statement.
Pedro Sanchez
Your Honour, I avail myself of the exemption under section 416.
Judge’s hairstyle:
Do you not wish to testify on the questions that might have been asked?
Pedro Sanchez
I wish to exercise the right recognized by law
Judge’s Hairstyle
Well, thank you very much. The procedure is complete.
