Cristina Álvarez Scandal: Allegations of Misuse of Public Office

Translated news from okdiario.com

Cristina Álvarez’s Special Contract in Moncloa

Cristina Álvarez, the Director of Programs for the Presidency of the Government, was assigned to serve Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, in her private activities. She signed a contract under the “special dedication” category, which allows for an extended work schedule beyond the standard 40-hour workweek due to “service needs.”

Álvarez, who is now under judicial investigation, was deeply involved in Gómez’s business activities. Her appointment is one of the key focuses of Judge Juan Carlos Peinado’s inquiry.

Moncloa Justifies Álvarez’s Special Dedication

According to official documentation submitted by the Presidency of the Government to the court, Álvarez was hired under a special dedication regime as per the resolution of February 28, 2019, which regulates work hours for public administration personnel.

This resolution states that “the working hours for personnel in positions classified as special dedication will be 40 hours per week, with the possibility of extending this schedule due to service requirements.” It also establishes that each ministry or public entity determines which positions require this level of commitment.

The Presidency of the Government justified Álvarez’s classification as “special dedication” based on her role in assisting Begoña Gómez in both her public and private engagements. A report from Moncloa sent to the judge confirms that “her duties are habitually carried out in La Moncloa Palace.”

Cristina Álvarez’s Salary: €300,839 Since 2018

Álvarez has received a gross salary of €300,839 since August 2018 as an advisor to Begoña Gómez, according to official data from the Presidency. Her official role involved “immediate collaboration, logistical and organizational support” to Gómez. She officially holds the position of Director of Programs in the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Government since July 16, 2018.

Moncloa details her responsibilities as follows:

• Managing agendas and preparing participation in meetings, visits, and events.
• Handling communications, including phone and document management.
• Accompanying Begoña Gómez on trips and engagements.
• Coordinating with protocol teams, security, foreign affairs, and other departments involved in organizing events for the Prime Minister and his wife.

Álvarez’s Judicial Investigation and Role in Private Business Affairs

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado is now investigating Álvarez’s role as a primary suspect. During a previous testimony in December, she appeared as a witness. However, in February, the judge upgraded her status to an official suspect in the case.

Álvarez admitted in court that she managed Begoña Gómez’s public and private agendas. The judge has also summoned Félix Bolaños, the current Minister of the Presidency and former Secretary General when Álvarez was hired, to testify regarding a possible misuse of public funds.

Key Evidence: Emails and Official Documents

OKDIARIO has revealed that Álvarez was fully engaged in Begoña Gómez’s private business affairs, despite being paid by Moncloa. She was even listed as a collaborator in the academic chair led by Begoña Gómez at the Complutense University of Madrid.

In an email addressed to officials from the Technology Transfer Office of the Complutense University, Álvarez wrote:

“Good morning María Jesús and Mercedes. It was a pleasure meeting you at yesterday’s meeting. Thank you for explaining patents, trademarks, and intellectual property, and how you can assist us. As agreed, we are sharing our contact information so you can let us know what details you need to initiate the patent procedures.”

The judge also possesses emails proving Álvarez’s role in managing the university chair’s daily affairs. In one exchange, she communicated with Reale Seguros, a patron of the chair, encouraging them to continue funding it:

“Begoña asked me to convey that she would love for you to remain as a patron of the chair, even with a lower financial contribution. We are happy to collaborate with you in whatever you need.”

Álvarez’s Hiring Process Under Scrutiny

OKDIARIO has also published images and testimonies proving that Álvarez acted as Begoña Gómez’s personal secretary since July 2018, shortly after Sánchez’s rise to power following the no-confidence motion against Mariano Rajoy.

Álvarez was recruited by the Presidency of the Government one month after Sánchez took office, directly at the request of Begoña Gómez, with whom she had worked previously at the consulting firm Inmark.

She did not undergo any selection process or interview. Instead, Gómez personally called her and offered her a “trusted” position, justifying the hiring by stating:

“I was told I could have a trusted person for advice, and I would love for it to be you.”

Government Acknowledges Irregularities in Álvarez’s Role

A report sent by the Presidency of the Government to the judge implicitly acknowledges that Álvarez should not have been acting as Begoña Gómez’s assistant.

In response to the judge’s inquiry, the government stated:

“Positions in the General State Administration do not have normatively assigned functions. The tasks performed by María Cristina Álvarez in the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Government are those of the directorial unit to which her position is assigned.”

The statement does not mention any advisory role to the Prime Minister’s wife, particularly in her private business activities.