Politics · Spain · 2 hrs ago
Gallardo appeals his 18-year disqualification over David Sánchez’s hiring
Former regional Socialist leader Miguel Ángel Gallardo has appealed his conviction over the hiring of David Sánchez, the brother of Spain’s prime minister.
A court in Badajoz sentenced Gallardo to 18 years of disqualification from public office for irregularities in the hiring.
The job was a coordinator role for activities at the provincial conservatories, and David Sánchez was selected in 2017.
Gallardo’s defence says there was no proven agreement to create a job for Sánchez and argues that the court relied on speculation.
Gallardo also says he did not know Sánchez existed in 2016, though he later acknowledged they had a personal relationship.
He is asking Extremadura’s High Court to overturn the sentence; David Sánchez, the prosecutor and other defendants have also appealed.
Miguel Ángel Gallardo has appealed his 18-year disqualification over the hiring of David Sánchez by the Badajoz provincial government.
His defense is asking the High Court of Justice of Extremadura to annul the conviction.
Gallardo denies arranging a job for Sánchez, the brother of Spain’s prime minister, and says he did not know Sánchez existed in 2016.
The defense says the evidence showed only that the provincial government decided to create a post, Gallardo asked how long filling it would take, and Sánchez applied and was selected.
The appeal describes the verdict as based on speculation, suspicion and conjecture.
- Who
- Miguel Ángel Gallardo, former leader of the PSOE in Extremadura, has appealed his conviction.
- What
- He is seeking to overturn an 18-year disqualification for irregularities linked to David Sánchez’s hiring.
- When
- The appeal was filed on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The hiring was by the Badajoz provincial government; the appeal was submitted to the High Court of Justice of Extremadura.
- Why
- Gallardo’s defense denies collusion or wrongdoing and argues the conviction relied on speculation.
Gallardo's defense
Provincial Court of Badajoz
Whether the hiring was arranged
Gallardo's defense
The defense says there was no plan to create a post for David Sánchez or secure his appointment.
Provincial Court of Badajoz
The court convicted Gallardo over irregularities in the hiring.
Basis for the verdict
Gallardo's defense
The defense calls the court’s conclusions speculation and says the evidence showed Sánchez applied and was selected.
Provincial Court of Badajoz
The court found Gallardo guilty and sentenced him to 18 years of disqualification.
The Badajoz provincial government decided to begin procedures to create a post coordinating conservatory activities.
David Sánchez applied for the post and was selected.
The Badajoz Provincial Court tried the case over seven days.
Gallardo’s defense filed an appeal seeking to annul his 18-year disqualification.
- Sentence
- 18 years of disqualification
- Appellant
- Miguel Ángel Gallardo
- Hiring authority
- Badajoz provincial government
- Post
- Coordinator of conservatory activities
- Appointee
- David Sánchez, brother of Spain’s prime minister
What people are saying
I did not even know he existed
Any other inference belongs to the realm of speculation
Sources
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