The proceedings are the latest in a scandal-riddled year for Socialist leader Sánchez. Former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero recently faced questions over a €53-million pandemic bailout, while Socialist heavyweight Santos Cerdán was investigated in a public-contract kickback probe involving former minister José Luis Ábalos. Both men deny wrongdoing.

Gómez’s case will now go to a higher court, which must set a hearing date. Spain’s public prosecutor, which says the evidence does not establish a criminal offense, and the defense teams are seeking acquittals. Hazte Oír, an ultra-Catholic group acting as a private prosecutor, is seeking 13 years in prison for Gómez.

Her lawyer, Jaime Campaner, has argued that Hazte Oír’s indictment contains “serious technical defects” that are incompatible with the law and “irremediable” at this stage. He has called for the case to be closed.