Growing Criticism of Interior Minister Marlaska Over Guardia Civil Management
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska faces harsh criticism over alleged failures in leading the Guardia Civil, particularly concerning resource shortages and handling of organized crime.
- • Fernando Grande-Marlaska faces accusations of negligence and obstructing investigations related to Guardia Civil agents' murders.
- • Police associations like JUCIL and right-wing politicians criticize resource shortages affecting anti-drug trafficking efforts.
- • Marlaska defends his record and labels opposition's accusations as politically biased.
- • A new phase of the Special Security Plan for Campo de Gibraltar has been launched to bolster law enforcement.
Key details
Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska is under intense scrutiny for his handling of the Guardia Civil amid serious allegations of negligence and mismanagement. Right-wing politicians, including Vox's Ignacio Gil Lázaro, and police associations such as JUCIL have accused Marlaska of failing to adequately support the force in combating organized crime, particularly drug trafficking. A recent report by europarliamentarians investigating the murder of two Guardia Civil agents in Barbate accuses Marlaska of obstructing the inquiry and highlights resource shortages, including insufficient fast boats and authorized firearms, hampering the Guardia Civil's effectiveness.
Marlaska has rejected these criticisms, labeling them as politically motivated attacks aimed at creating a false sense of insecurity. He pointed out his efforts to increase resources for both the Guardia Civil and National Police as evidence of his commitment to security. Additionally, he announced a new phase of the Special Security Plan for Campo de Gibraltar to reinforce anti-drug trafficking operations. Nonetheless, the controversy remains heated, with associations demanding his resignation due to what they describe as 'desidia y abandono' (neglect and abandonment).
This dispute marks a significant challenge to Marlaska's leadership within Spain's security landscape, amid ongoing political tensions and security concerns in regions like Campo de Gibraltar, known for drug trafficking activity. The Minister's management and policies continue to be a focal point of political debate and public concern.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
