Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez opted not to testify before a judge at the presidential complex on Tuesday as part of an investigation into corruption allegations against his wife, lawyers reported. Under Spanish law, Sánchez, one of Europe’s longest-serving socialist leaders, is not obligated to testify against his wife, Begoña Gómez. The questioning lasted only minutes as the prime minister exercised his right to remain silent, according to lawyers from both sides of the case. The legal activist group Manos Limpias, or “Clean Hands,” has accused Gómez of using her position to influence business deals. However, many of the group"s previous cases have been linked to right-wing causes targeting leftist politicians, and most have not succeeded. Judge Carlos Peinado, who denied Sánchez’s request to submit a written testimony, became the first judge to enter La Moncloa, the prime minister’s residence in Madrid, to take a statement from a sitting prime minister. A public prosecutor was also present during the questioning. Sánchez has consistently described the case as a “smear campaign” aimed at undermining the leftist coalition government led by his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party. Spain’s Public Prosecutors’ office had recommended that the probe be dismissed, but a provincial court ruled that the lower-court judge could continue the investigation. Judge Peinado will decide whether to dismiss the allegations or recommend that the case proceed to trial. Following the launch of the probe, Sánchez surprised the nation by suggesting in an April open letter that he might consider stepping down, describing the allegations as an “attack without precedent” against his wife. After five days of silence, he announced his decision to remain in office. Earlier this year, Spain’s government watchdog on conflicts of interest dismissed a complaint from the conservative Popular Party alleging that Gómez had influenced her husband in a decision related to an airline. Gómez, 49, does not hold public office and maintains a low political profile. She has a background in marketing and has been involved with fundraising projects and non-governmental organizations. — Agencies