Investigation into Government Delegate for Alleged Misappropriation of Funds
Francisco Martín Aguirre summoned by judge in relation to the hiring of adviser Cristina Álvarez.
Juan Carlos Peinado, a judge in Madrid, has summoned Francisco Martín Aguirre, the Government Delegate in Madrid, to testify regarding his connection to the hiring of Cristina Álvarez, an adviser to Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The hearing is set for May 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Court of Instruction 41 of Madrid.
The judge is investigating accusations of a possible public funds misappropriation involving Martín Aguirre, who was a senior official at La Moncloa at the time of Álvarez's hiring in July 2018. Peinado's inquiries stem from a complaint filed by the political party VOX, which also participates in the ongoing case against Begoña Gómez, alongside other organizations.
At the time of the hiring, Francisco Martín was serving as the head of the Technical Cabinet under Félix Bolaños, who later became a minister in 2021. Following Bolaños's elevation, Martín Aguirre assumed the role of his superior, overseeing Álvarez’s work.
The judge's order indicates that Martín Aguirre's name had surfaced in prior witness statements related to the contracting process of Álvarez.
In the ruling partially accepting the VOX complaint, the judge stated that Martín Aguirre appeared to have played a significant role in the appointment of Álvarez for private functions concerning Begoña Gómez, financed with public funds.
He is currently the first individual to be investigated in this separate case, as it unfolds alongside the broader inquiries into Gómez.
The ruling, issued on Monday, also clarified that both Begoña Gómez and Álvarez would not be charged.
The judge noted that Gómez did not take part in the decision-making or payment processes for Álvarez’s compensation, although she utilized her professional services for personal purposes.
Additionally, charges of influence peddling and misconduct linked to the complaint were dismissed.
As part of the investigation, Bolaños was also questioned as a witness regarding the appointment of Álvarez.
A confrontation between Álvarez and the La Moncloa official who processed her hiring is scheduled for May 14; however, it was postponed due to a scheduling conflict with international travel for the adviser.
Furthermore, the judge is expected to interrogate Raúl Díaz Silva, another senior official in La Moncloa, identified by Bolaños as Álvarez’s direct superior.
The hearing is set for May 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Court of Instruction 41 of Madrid.
The judge is investigating accusations of a possible public funds misappropriation involving Martín Aguirre, who was a senior official at La Moncloa at the time of Álvarez's hiring in July 2018. Peinado's inquiries stem from a complaint filed by the political party VOX, which also participates in the ongoing case against Begoña Gómez, alongside other organizations.
At the time of the hiring, Francisco Martín was serving as the head of the Technical Cabinet under Félix Bolaños, who later became a minister in 2021. Following Bolaños's elevation, Martín Aguirre assumed the role of his superior, overseeing Álvarez’s work.
The judge's order indicates that Martín Aguirre's name had surfaced in prior witness statements related to the contracting process of Álvarez.
In the ruling partially accepting the VOX complaint, the judge stated that Martín Aguirre appeared to have played a significant role in the appointment of Álvarez for private functions concerning Begoña Gómez, financed with public funds.
He is currently the first individual to be investigated in this separate case, as it unfolds alongside the broader inquiries into Gómez.
The ruling, issued on Monday, also clarified that both Begoña Gómez and Álvarez would not be charged.
The judge noted that Gómez did not take part in the decision-making or payment processes for Álvarez’s compensation, although she utilized her professional services for personal purposes.
Additionally, charges of influence peddling and misconduct linked to the complaint were dismissed.
As part of the investigation, Bolaños was also questioned as a witness regarding the appointment of Álvarez.
A confrontation between Álvarez and the La Moncloa official who processed her hiring is scheduled for May 14; however, it was postponed due to a scheduling conflict with international travel for the adviser.
Furthermore, the judge is expected to interrogate Raúl Díaz Silva, another senior official in La Moncloa, identified by Bolaños as Álvarez’s direct superior.
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