Spain Grapples with Attorney General Ruling and Political Scrutiny as Parliament Wraps Session
Spain’s political landscape is facing a period of intense scrutiny following a Supreme Court ruling that convicted former Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz and as the parliamentary year draws to a close with a flurry of debate and upcoming votes.The government, while acknowledging the ruling, is together navigating a barrage of opposition questioning its credibility and policies.
Government Responds to Attorney General Conviction
Lara Hernández, co-coordinator of movimiento Sumar, stated on Wednesday that the government “has done what it had to do in the first instance,” namely, “appoint a new attorney general of the State” with expertise in gender violence. This followed the Supreme Court’s decision to disqualify García Ortiz for two years and fine him €7,200 for revealing confidential data. Hernández emphasized the Executive’s actions were “agile,” “arduous,” and “speedy,” while acknowledging the case “has not ended here either.”
The PP, however, has seized on the case to attack Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, questioning his judgment in trusting individuals like Santos Cerdán, José Luis Ábalos, and Paco Salazar.
The PP also launched a pointed attack on Minister Félix Bolaños, with spokesperson Ester Muñoz displaying a photograph of Bolaños alongside Salazar, Ábalos, and Cerdán, questioning the judgment of the Prime Minister. According to Muñoz, “Sánchez is a person who has lived off prostitution normally. Who will be surprised that he has chosen these three characters to govern the PSOE?”
Broader Policy Disputes Take Center Stage
Beyond the attorney general case, a wide range of issues dominated the parliamentary agenda. Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas defended Spain’s position as a “livestock power” in Europe amid concerns raised by the PP regarding an “unprecedented crisis” affecting the country’s pig farming industry.
foreign policy also became a focal point, with Minister José Manuel Albares defending Spain’s increased international influence under the Sánchez government. He sharply criticized the PP for allegedly undermining Spain’s interests in Europe by opposing funding and questioning the rule of law. PP deputy Carlos Rojas García, however, accused the Sánchez government of being “closer to the dictator” Maduro, while celebrating the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado.
Othre concerns raised included the price of the shopping basket, as highlighted by Gabriel Rufián (ERC), and the government’s handling of immigration, with Santiago Abascal (Vox) claiming “massive immigration” is occurring with the government’s complicity.
legislative Agenda and Upcoming Votes
As the parliamentary year nears its conclusion, lawmakers are preparing to vote on several key issues, including the “path of stability” – a prerequisite for the budget – decrees for civil servant salary increases, and commitments to Junts. The Customer Service Law, already approved by the Senate, is also slated for final approval, alongside a reform of the Dependency Law.
Ministerial Appearances and Notable Absences
Several ministers appeared before Congress to address specific concerns. Sira Rego, Minister of Youth and Children, discussed policies related to child protection, digital environments, and poverty. Diana Morant, Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, addressed issues including university degree homologation and the situation at the National Cancer Research Center.
Notably, several cabinet members were absent from the session, including the first, third vice presidents, and ministers of Defense, Interior, Transportation, Education, and Economy.
A minute of silence was observed in Congress to honor a victim of sexist violence in Catarroja, underscoring the ongoing national conversation surrounding gender-based violence.
The final session of the year promises continued political tension as lawmakers prepare to address a packed agenda and navigate a complex political landscape. .
