Begoña Gómez Speaks at PSOE Campaign Launch as Ayuso Mocks Her

Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, spoke at a PSOE campaign launch event for the first time on November 12, 2026. She addressed socialist militants as a grassroots member and thanked them for their support during a legal process lasting more than two and a half years. Gómez faces a pending trial on suspected influence peddling and embezzlement.

She said the militants had given her strength and encouragement to continue. Attendees shouted "You are not alone" as she took the stage unexpectedly before María Jesús Montero and Sánchez spoke. Gómez described herself as fortunate to receive affection from people she loves and from strangers she felt were close to her.

“You gave me the hand and the encouragement to continue.”

Her speech focused almost entirely on women and the need to recognize that they are not alone. She said women had spent too long being "ladies of" someone else and are the authors of their own lives. She also criticized people who judge women and tell them how to act, stating they would not allow it.

Gómez asked for votes for the PSOE and shared letters she had received from Spain and the United States. One letter came from a woman describing herself as a daughter and granddaughter of the Transition. She emphasized the responsibility this represented.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, opened the official campaign for the November 29 elections later the same day. She accused Sánchez of buying public television to watch her and claimed Gómez had become so jealous that she was brought out at a rally that night. Ayuso added that Gómez could now teach classes on managing saunas with happy endings.

The Madrid event also featured José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo, and Pedro Rollán before Ayuso spoke. Alfonso Serrano, general secretary of the Madrid PP, opened with remarks about teachers protesting outside and demanding negotiations with Education Minister Mercedes Zarzalejo. He said the party was open and would applaud anyone who wanted to make a show.