*Update*: Begoña Gómez trial, Feijóo push and David Sánchez verdict shape turbulent Monday

Monday brings Spain's government crisis several new twists. In the morning, the defence of Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, filed a reform appeal with the competent court against the ruling by Judge Peinado, who had summoned the parties for 1 June for a preliminary hearing of the Jurado tribunal. ABC reports that the defence criticised the judge's «haste» and demanded a suspension of the summons – a manoeuvre that could delay proceedings further.

In parallel, PP chief Alberto Núñez Feijóo made an unusual offer: he signalled to PNV and Junts that he would form a PP-led government without Vox, then call fresh elections. According to El Mundo, Feijóo spoke of «184 MPs calling for elections» and simultaneously distanced himself from a vote of no confidence without a secured majority. The move shows how heavily the opposition is betting on ongoing corruption allegations against the PSOE to put pressure on Sánchez.

Pressure from within the ranks

This pressure is also intensified by Cantabrian regional president Miguel Ángel Revilla: when asked whether Sánchez should call fresh elections, he replied, according to Levante, curtly: «Está acabado» – he is finished. Revilla is regarded as one of the few Social Democrats who openly criticise Sánchez.

In the afternoon, Badajoz came into focus: the second hearing began in the trial against David Sánchez, the Prime Minister's brother, who is accused over his controversial position at the Diputación de Badajoz. El País reports that a witness testified the rumour had been that David Sánchez applied for the position – not that it had been handed to him from the outset. The testimony partially exonerates the accused, but proceedings continue.

Fragmentation on the left

On the sidelines of daily political business, Podemos boycotted the papal reception ceremony in Congress scheduled for next Monday: the party's four MPs will stay away from the appearance of Pope Leo XIV. According to the BBC, Podemos justified the move by saying there was «no reason for an honour». The step underscores growing fragmentation within the left-wing camp, which formally still supports the Sánchez government.