Supreme Court Ruling Boosts Isabel Díaz Ayuso's Authority Within the Popular Party

A landmark ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court on November 20, 2025, has significantly strengthened Isabel Díaz Ayuso’s political position within the Popular Party (PP) and intensified tensions with the government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The court condemned the Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, disqualifying him for two years after he revealed confidential information related to an investigation involving Ayuso's partner, Alberto González Amador.

This ruling marks a major political victory for Ayuso, who long maintained that the government orchestrated a political operation against her. She described the day of the verdict as "historic for Spanish democracy," emphasizing that the judgment proves the rule of law functions and accusing Sánchez of dismantling the judicial system. Ayuso presented the Attorney General’s conviction as a direct personal attack against her.

Within the PP, the decision is viewed as an endorsement of Ayuso's confrontational approach against the Moncloa government. Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo supports this strategy, which allows the PP to leverage the ruling to challenge Sánchez’s administration more aggressively. Despite earlier internal concerns about Ayuso’s defense of her partner, who faces tax fraud allegations, the Supreme Court’s decision has politically fortified her and enhanced her autonomy within the party.

The ruling has also sparked backlash among left-wing sectors, who accuse the judiciary of bias and react with intolerance and dispute. Critics question the independence of the judiciary when decisions do not align with their views, fueling political polarization. Some commentators controversially claim media testimony should outweigh judicial evidence, reflecting a broader refusal to accept judicial limits when unfavorable to certain factions.

Prime Minister Sánchez is facing increasing challenges amid scandals and a loss of institutional credibility. Meanwhile, Ayuso is consolidating power, gaining the upper hand in the ongoing political contest. The Supreme Court ruling thus reshapes the political landscape, empowering Ayuso within the PP and marking a significant blow to Sánchez’s government.