Political Turmoil in Spain Following Conviction of Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz

Álvaro García Ortiz, Spain's active Attorney General, has become the first in the country's history to be convicted by the Supreme Court under Article 417.1 of the Penal Code for revealing confidential information. The court sentenced him to two years of disqualification, a decision described by the PSOE as "disappointing" and lacking transparency due to the unpublished reasoning behind it.

The government's response has been sharply critical. It accuses the judiciary of political interference aimed at destabilizing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's progressive administration. Second Vice President Yolanda Díaz characterized the ruling as a "turning point," claiming the judiciary has suspended its constitutional role and opposed the government’s agenda. PSOE spokesperson Montse Mínguez defended García Ortiz's innocence and condemned judges for crossing into political activism, although she emphasized PSOE's continued commitment to governing and improving citizens' lives.

Podemos leader Ione Belarra accused the government of permitting right-wing political, media, and judicial forces to "civilly assassinate" Ortiz, suggesting the conviction is a tactic to distract from corruption scandals, including those linked to Isabel Díaz Ayuso. PSOE Minister Óscar López asserted that despite the conviction, allegations against Ayuso and her associates remain valid.

Opposition parties responded strongly. The People's Party (PP) demanded the government halt its attacks on the judiciary and called for the dissolution of Parliament and new elections, arguing Sánchez's administration lacks legitimacy to appoint a new Attorney General. Carmen Funez of the PP voiced concerns that the forthcoming Attorney General would be politically subservient to PSOE. Vox leader Santiago Abascal vowed to remove Sánchez from power and hold him accountable, suggesting Spain cannot return to normal democracy until Sánchez faces justice.

The crisis in Spain highlights deepening divisions between the government and judiciary, with escalating accusations of political manipulation within judicial ranks and calls for political accountability. The government's stance underscores its belief that the judiciary is actively undermining democratic progress, while the opposition leverages the ruling to challenge Sánchez's legitimacy, setting the stage for intensified political struggle.