Sánchez's brother disqualified: the shadow of prevarication

The court ruling against David Sánchez

The Badajoz Provincial Court has handed down a ruling of great political and administrative significance: David Sánchez, brother of the Prime Minister, has been sentenced to nine years of disqualification from holding public office or employment. The court found it proven that the crime of prevarication (abuse of office) occurred during his 2017 hiring as coordinator of the Badajoz conservatories, concluding that the process was designed arbitrarily to favor his profile.

Although the ruling rules out the crime of influence peddling—thereby avoiding the prison sentences requested by the popular accusations—the court is emphatic in noting that the position was an unnecessary creation. In a social context where citizens demand transparency, cases like this contrast with the reality of other sectors, where resource management is measured under the scrutiny of austerity, similar to how the viability of a mortgage or the impact of rent on Spanish families is analyzed. Just as financial rigor is necessary for stability, public administration requires transparent, meritocratic processes, a topic that resonates with the need for greater transparency in the political class, as analyzed in this article on opacidad en el PP: Feijóo y su dirección ocultan ingresos al Congreso.

A "criminal plan" from the Provincial Council

The 377-page judgment describes a framework where the Badajoz Provincial Council acted under a plan devised by higher authorities. According to the magistrates:

• David Sánchez was a necessary cooperator, as he knew in advance that the position was designed for him.
• The musician managed to adapt the conditions of the job to his preferences, including an exemption from having to go to an office daily.
• "Purely cosmetic" controls were used to simulate a legality that did not exist.

"It has not been proven that any specific person or persons exerted pressure or influence over the accused... by taking advantage of the exercise of the powers of an office," the court notes.

The role of the UCO and the irregularities

The court gave special relevance to the testimonies of the UCO (Central Operative Unit of the Civil Guard). Although the analysis of the emails did not manage to prove direct pressure, it did allow the court to infer that the "genesis" of the position did not respond to technical needs, but rather to decisions made by the Presidency of the Provincial Council, then under the command of Miguel Ángel Gallardo, who has also been sentenced to 18 years of disqualification.

It is essential to remember that institutional integrity must be the basic pillar of any organization. In the field of independent journalism, for example, sustainability is sought without depending on external pressures, elDiario.es Financials for 2025: Journalism without mortgages or debt, a model that prioritizes independence over debt or vested interests.

Conclusion

This ruling not only affects those convicted, but also highlights the importance of the principles of merit and capability in administration. While the sentence can still be appealed, the message left by the justice system is clear: the creation of "tailor-made" public positions constitutes a serious violation of the rules governing access to public employment in Spain.