Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has suffered another political setback after a court convicted his brother, David Sánchez, of administrative misconduct over his appointment to a senior cultural position in the Badajoz provincial government.
The court ruled on Tuesday that David Sánchez must be barred from holding public office for nine years following findings that his 2017 appointment was improperly handled. The decision adds further pressure on the Spanish prime minister, whose administration has faced several corruption-related controversies involving members of his political circle.
According to the ruling, the position created for David Sánchez, who was responsible for coordinating activities linked to provincial music conservatories, lacked sufficient administrative justification and was designed around his personal circumstances rather than a genuine public need.
The court stated that officials involved in the hiring process exercised their authority in an arbitrary manner to benefit specific individuals. Judges also noted that changes were made to the role after its creation to better match David Sánchez’s professional interests, including his connection to opera.
David Sánchez had faced allegations that his appointment was influenced by his relationship with the prime minister. Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly rejected the accusations, describing them as politically motivated attacks promoted by opposition groups.
The conviction comes at a challenging time for the Spanish government, which has been dealing with broader scrutiny over corruption investigations involving individuals linked to the ruling Socialist Party. A former close associate of the prime minister was recently sentenced in a separate corruption case, intensifying political debate in Spain.
The court’s decision against David Sánchez is not final, as it can be appealed through higher judicial authorities. The case is expected to remain a source of political controversy as opposition parties continue to question the government’s handling of alleged conflicts of interest.
