The Spanish justice system is once again at the center of public attention. Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz is facing accusations of disclosing secrets. A Supreme Court judge has decided to proceed with criminal prosecution, which could have far-reaching political and legal consequences. The matter concerns the alleged disclosure of confidential information in the case of Alberto González Amador, the partner of Madrid’s President Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
The Core of the Accusations: Disclosure of Secrets and Potential Penalties
Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz is accused of having disclosed confidential information related to the case of Alberto González Amador, the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid. If convicted, García Ortiz faces a prison sentence of one to four years, suspension from employment or public office for a period of one to three years, or a special disqualification of three to five years from public service. This potential breach of confidentiality has sparked an intense debate about the integrity of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Political Reactions and Demands for Resignation
Political reactions to the potential indictment were swift. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People’s Party (PP), immediately demanded the resignation of the Attorney General and those who might have instructed him. The government, however, reaffirmed its “trust” in García Ortiz and called for respect for the “presumption of innocence.” These contrasting positions highlight the political sensitivity of the case and the deep divides between political camps in Spain.
The Stance of Public Prosecutors’ Associations: An “Untenable” Situation
Leading public prosecutors’ associations in Spain, including the Association of Public Prosecutors (AF) and the Professional Association of Independent Public Prosecutors (APIF), have strongly called for Álvaro García Ortiz’s resignation. Cristina Dexeus, spokesperson for the AF, described the situation as “untenable” and spoke of “an absolute reason for blushing and shame.” She emphasized the reputational damage caused to the institution by the Attorney General remaining in office.
Miguel Pallarés, spokesperson for the APIF, also urged García Ortiz to “take responsibility.” He stressed that the need for resignation must come from the Attorney General himself to prevent further undermining of trust in the judiciary.
Judges’ Associations: Presumption of Innocence and the Need for Resignation
Judges’ associations also commented on the matter. While respecting the presumption of innocence for García Ortiz, the Professional Association of the Magistracy (APM) and the Independent Justice Forum (FJI) share the view that resignation is essential to preserve the image of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Sergio Oliva, spokesperson for the Judges’ Association Francisco de Vitoria (AJFV), stressed that the decision to resign is a “reflection belonging to the Attorney General himself,” who must carefully weigh the institutional implications.
Conclusion and Outlook
The potential indictment of Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz marks a critical point for the Spanish judicial system. The calls for his resignation, coming from both political circles and his own professional associations, illustrate the extent of the crisis of confidence. How the case will unfold and what impact it will have on the credibility of Spanish justice remains to be seen. However, it is clear that this case has sparked a profound debate about responsibilities and transparency within Spain’s highest judicial authorities.
