Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, will face trial after Judge Juan Carlos Peinado ordered the opening of oral proceedings and imposed a series of precautionary measures, including the confiscation of her passport and a requirement to report to court every 15 days. The decision marks a major escalation in one of Spain’s most closely watched legal cases and is likely to intensify both political and legal scrutiny in the months ahead.

Under the judge’s order, Gómez will be unable to leave Spain while the case progresses. She must also appear regularly before the court, a measure usually imposed to ensure defendants remain available to judicial authorities. The same restrictions have reportedly been applied to her adviser, Cristina Álvarez.

What is Begoña Gómez accused of?

The case centres on allegations relating to Gómez’s professional activities and her links to several organisations and business initiatives. Judge Peinado has decided there is sufficient basis for the matter to proceed to trial, where accusations including alleged influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, embezzlement and misappropriation will be examined in court. Gómez has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the investigation.

The proceedings have been driven by private prosecutors, while Spain’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has repeatedly argued that the case should be dismissed, creating a stark divide between those pursuing the allegations and those who believe there is insufficient evidence to justify a trial. That disagreement has helped turn the investigation into one of the most politically charged legal battles in recent Spanish history.

Why has her passport been taken away?

One of the most striking elements of the judge’s decision is the removal of Gómez’s passport. The measure prevents her from travelling abroad and is intended to reduce any perceived risk that a defendant could avoid future court appearances. The move has attracted particular attention because similar restrictions had previously been rejected during earlier stages of the investigation.

Judge Peinado has now concluded that the circumstances justify tighter controls as the case moves towards trial. Gómez’s legal team has already indicated that it intends to challenge the decision through the appeals process, arguing that the restrictions are unnecessary.

For now, however, the measures remain in place.

A case that has dominated Spanish politics

The investigation has generated months of political controversy, with opposition parties demanding accountability and government supporters accusing critics of using the courts to attack the Prime Minister through his wife. The case has repeatedly dominated headlines, fuelled parliamentary clashes and intensified an already polarised political climate. For many Spaniards, the latest development represents the most significant turning point since the investigation first began.

While allegations against relatives of political leaders are not unprecedented, it is highly unusual for the spouse of a sitting prime minister to face trial under such intense public scrutiny. The decision is therefore likely to be viewed not only as a legal milestone but also as a moment with potentially far-reaching political consequences.

Political fallout continues

The latest ruling is also likely to increase pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has consistently defended his wife and argued that the investigation forms part of a politically motivated campaign against his family.

While Sánchez has not publicly commented on the judge’s latest decision, the reaction from his government has been swift. Officials at Moncloa have reportedly described the ruling as part of a pattern of “persecution”, “obsession” and judicial prosecution lacking legal basis. The PSOE has also continued to defend Gómez’s innocence, insisting that the proceedings amount to political and judicial harassment rather than a legitimate corruption case.

The case has already dominated political debate for months and Saturday’s developments are unlikely to ease tensions between the government and opposition parties. With a trial now on the horizon, the scrutiny surrounding both Gómez and the Prime Minister looks set to intensify.

What happens next?

The opening of oral proceedings does not represent a finding of guilt.

Instead, it means the case has advanced to the next stage, where evidence will be examined in court and both prosecution and defence arguments will be heard before a final verdict is reached. Gómez will continue to benefit from the presumption of innocence throughout the process.

In the meantime, attention is likely to focus on the appeals against the travel restrictions and on how the case develops as it moves closer to trial. Whatever the outcome, the proceedings are expected to remain firmly in the public spotlight.

With a passport confiscated, mandatory court appearances every two weeks and a trial now on the horizon, the legal challenges facing Begoña Gómez have entered a new and more serious phase, ensuring that a case which has already dominated Spanish politics is unlikely to fade from the headlines any time soon.

For years, Lidl shoppers have become accustomed to walking into the supermarket for milk and bread before leaving with a pressure washer, a kayak or a chainsaw they never knew they needed. Now, the discount retailer has added something entirely new to the shopping experience: a pub.

Lidl has officially opened its first-ever pub, giving customers the chance to enjoy a pint alongside their weekly shop. The venue, called The Middle Ale, is located next to a Lidl store in Dundonald, near Belfast, and is believed to be the first pub ever opened by the supermarket chain. The name is a playful take on Lidl’s famous middle aisle, the section that has developed an almost cult following among shoppers hoping to discover unexpected bargains.

A supermarket first

The opening has attracted attention far beyond Northern Ireland, with many customers surprised to learn that Lidl now has its own pub. Before anyone starts imagining a nationwide rollout of supermarket bars, the company has made it clear that this is not part of a grand plan to transform stores into drinking establishments.

Instead, the project stems from Northern Ireland’s unique alcohol licensing laws.

Lidl spent years trying to secure permission to sell alcohol from the Dundonald store but encountered difficulties obtaining the required licence. After a lengthy legal process, the retailer pursued a pub licence, eventually securing approval to move forward with the project.

The result is a traditional pub located beside the supermarket, complete with its own entrance and seating area.

What can customers expect?

The Middle Ale accommodates around 60 customers and serves a range of drinks, including Lidl’s own award-winning wines, beers and spirits. Local products are also featured, helping to give the venue a more traditional pub feel rather than simply functioning as an extension of the supermarket.

For shoppers, it creates a rather unusual scenario. It is now entirely possible to buy a loaf of bread, pick up a discounted garden chair from the middle aisle and stop for a pint before heading home. That is not a sentence many people expected to hear when Lidl first arrived on British and Irish high streets.

The internet reacts

As news of the opening spread, social media users wasted little time sharing their thoughts. Many joked that Lidl had finally found a way to make customers spend even more time wandering around the middle aisle.

Others suggested the pub might become a refuge for long-suffering partners who have spent years waiting while somebody debates whether they genuinely need an inflatable paddleboard, a welding kit or a pizza oven.

One commenter joked that after a couple of pints, shoppers could emerge convinced that the chainsaw they spotted on aisle seven was actually a sensible investment. For regular Lidl customers, the idea somehow feels both completely unexpected and entirely believable at the same time.

Opening night and unexpected drama

The launch of The Middle Ale also made headlines for the wrong reasons, after reports of an altercation outside the venue on opening night prompted police to attend the scene. One man was taken to hospital following the incident, with an investigation now underway.

As some social media users joked, moments like this are exactly why we can’t have nice things, despite the novelty of Lidl’s unusual new venture.

Could Lidl pubs become a thing?

The opening of The Middle Ale has inevitably sparked one question among Lidl shoppers: could more pubs follow? At the moment, the answer appears to be no. The Belfast venue exists largely because of Northern Ireland’s licensing rules rather than a wider business strategy. Lidl has not announced plans to roll out pubs elsewhere, meaning shoppers in Spain, the UK and the rest of Europe probably should not expect to order a pint alongside their groceries any time soon.

That said, stranger things have happened in Lidl’s famous middle aisle. After all, this is the same supermarket that has persuaded shoppers to buy hot tubs, chainsaws, pizza ovens, paddleboards and power tools during what was supposed to be a quick trip for milk. A pub may sound unusual, but for many loyal Lidl customers it somehow feels perfectly on brand.

Could Spain see a bar?

While Lidl has no plans to roll out pubs across Europe, the opening is likely to leave some shoppers in Spain wondering whether a Lidl bar could ever appear here too. In a country known for its tapas culture and packed terrace bars, the idea might not feel quite as far-fetched as it first sounds.

A pint with your shopping?

For now, The Middle Ale stands alone as a unique addition to the supermarket world and another example of Lidl doing something nobody quite expected. The new venue gives shoppers the chance to enjoy a drink, sample Lidl’s award-winning beverages and tell friends they visited a pub owned by a supermarket.

Not many people would have predicted that sentence a decade ago. Then again, not many people expected to walk into Lidl for bread and leave with a kayak either.

And that is perhaps why the idea of a Lidl pub feels less surprising than it should.

Business First is organising its Charity Golf Day at Santa Clara Golf Club on Friday, June 26. Golfers and business professionals from the Costa del Sol will be gathering for a day of sport and networking that directly funds the Save a Life campaign led by Gerry and Jenny Hannam.

Event format delivers full experience

A shotgun start at 9.30am launches Individual Stableford play across the course. Every participant will have green fee access, shared buggy use, a two-course lunch and a drink afterwards. Prizes go to leading players while raffles and auctions throughout the afternoon raise additional money for the cause. Local sponsors add further support to maximise the total donated. Players of all abilities find the Individual Stableford format welcoming.

Save a Life campaign expands AED access

Gerry and Jenny Hannam established Save a Life almost a year ago after Gerry survived cardiac arrest through rapid defibrillator intervention. The campaign has already installed twelve public AED units at strategic points in Mijas Costa, Calahonda and nearby communities. Additional devices will shorten response times during cardiac emergencies and improve survival rates until professional help arrives. Training sessions also form part of the ongoing work to equip residents with vital CPR skills. Early defibrillation combined with CPR offers the best chance of survival in out-of-hospital cases.

Participation options suit all supporters

Entry costs €155 per golfer with booking through Just Marbella Golf or by telephone on 711 052 483. Those who prefer lunch only may attend from around 2pm for €40, including a shared starter, main course choice and one drink plus raffle entry. All money raised goes straight to Save a Life for more AED placements and community training across the Costa del Sol. Spaces are limited, so early registration receives strong recommendation. Anyone unable to attend is still welcome to support via direct donations to the campaign.

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