Court Bans Spanish PM's Brother From Public Office for Nine Years

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Madrid: A Spanish court has forbidden David Sánchez, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's brother, from holding public office for nine years after finding him guilty of administrative wrongdoing in connection with his nomination to a publicly financed cultural position in the western province of Badajoz. The court concluded that the position was unlawfully constituted to benefit him rather than to meet a legitimate public need.

David Sánchez, a composer and orchestra director, was sentenced as an accomplice in the illegal establishment of the position of coordinator of music conservatories, which was later renamed head of the province's performing arts office. However, the court acquitted him of the more serious accusation of influence peddling, which might have resulted in prison time. The verdict can be appealed to a higher regional court.

The judgement resulted in an 18-year ban from public office for Miguel Ángel Gallardo, the former head of the Badajoz provincial council, and convictions for other officials involved in the hiring process. Judges stated that the job was "neither necessary nor urgent" and was established to promote David Sánchez's private interests rather than the public interest.

The verdict adds to the political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose government has faced a slew of corruption-related probes implicating close allies and family members. While the prime minister has constantly denied any wrongdoing and branded the lawsuits as politically motivated, opposition parties have used the latest verdict to renew calls for accountability.