A provincial court in Badajoz has reaffirmed that a senior administrative post awarded to David Sánchez, brother of Spain's prime minister, was neither necessary nor urgent and was designed to fit the assignee. David Sánchez was banned from public office for nine years after being found guilty of administrative misconduct, though he was cleared of influence peddling.
The tribunal ruled that three administrative acts were contrary to law, enacted unjustly and arbitrarily to serve the private interests of David Sánchez and an associate, Luis Carrero. The position, originally as coordinator of music conservatories in the province, was later renamed to mask the creation of a new post. The court condemned the process as a form of nepotism that damages democratic health. Nine co-defendants received the same nine-year ban, while Miguel Ángel Gallardo was barred for 18 years on two counts of misconduct.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, making his first public appearance since the ruling, did not address the verdict during a speech on Gibraltar. The government has said it believes higher courts will establish Sánchez's innocence.