22/06/2026 16:18 - Internacionales
Martillo de juez sobre mesa de tribunal con bandera española difusa al fondo
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who has been leading the investigation into Begoña Gómez (wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez), now finds himself under scrutiny by Spain's General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) — the governing body responsible for overseeing judges in the country.
The CGPJ initiated informational proceedings (diligencias informativas) to determine whether the magistrate's harsh criticisms of the National Police in a recent court ruling warrant disciplinary action. However, legal analysts consulted by Infobae believe an actual sanction remains unlikely.
Criminal lawyer Fernando Pamos de la Hoz clarified a common misconception: opening informational proceedings does not mean opening a formal disciplinary case. It's merely a preliminary stage to gather evidence and assess whether sanctions are warranted.
The process follows three steps:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Collection | CGPJ requests the court ruling and reviews documentation |
| 2. Defense | Judge Peinado presents his arguments |
| 3. Decision | Authorities decide whether to archive the case or open formal disciplinary proceedings |
Juan Carlos Peinado is scheduled to retire in September 2026. His proximity to retirement significantly limits the practical impact of any potential sanction.
The CGPJ is Spain's equivalent of a judicial council, responsible for governing judges and ensuring judicial independence. It has been politically deadlocked for years, reflecting Spain's polarized political landscape.
The controversy stems from statements Peinado made in a recent court ruling that sparked political and legal backlash. Pamos de la Hoz noted that the magistrate could argue his words were simply "unfortunate phrasing" or a "drafting error".
The criminal lawyer emphasized that judicial rulings considered incorrect have ordinary appeal channels and don't necessarily require disciplinary action. "I don't think they'll sanction him for this," he stated, noting that disciplinary proceedings are rarely initiated based on the content of judicial decisions.
The vote to open these proceedings revealed deep polarization within the Council. Conservative-aligned members voted against, arguing the complaint should have been rejected outright. However, the majority chose to investigate first.
Pamos de la Hoz described this dynamic with a telling phrase: "Dog doesn't eat dog" — suggesting judicial corporatism and the political nature of the body play fundamental roles in such decisions.
Begoña Gómez is the wife of Pedro Sánchez, Spain's Prime Minister since 2018. Peinado has been investigating her for over two years. Several of his rulings have been overturned by the Provincial Court of Madrid, and his management has been the subject of intense political debate in Spain.
For international readers: This case represents one of several high-profile investigations involving family members of sitting leaders in Europe, raising questions about judicial independence and political influence.
Source: Infobae (June 22, 2026)
Alfredo S. Quiroga
