A fierce battle is unfolding in Spain for leadership positions in one of the country’s most influential institutions—the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office. The question of who will occupy key posts in the criminal division directly affects the balance of power within the judicial system and could shift the influence between different prosecutorial groups. For Spaniards, this is far more than a routine personnel reshuffle: the outcome of this competition will determine how the highest-profile cases of the coming years are investigated and prosecuted.
Several prominent figures, known for their involvement in headline-grabbing cases and internal disputes, have applied to take part in the competition. Among them are Ana García León and Diego Villafañe, both former members of the team of ex-Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz. Their rivals include procés prosecutors Consuelo Madrigal and Jaime Moreno, whose names are closely linked to cases stemming from the Catalan crisis.
Who is competing and what’s at stake
García León, former head of the Technical Secretariat at the Attorney General’s Office, is now vying for one of three top positions in the criminal section of the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office. Her professionalism and leadership were recognized even during her farewell ceremony, when new Attorney General Teresa Peramato praised her contributions and drew applause from colleagues.
Diego Villafañe, former deputy head of the Technical Secretariat and García Ortiz’s right-hand man, has also decided to compete for a seat in the criminal section, but no longer aims for a leadership role. His name recently came up in connection with an investigation that ended in acquittal after allegations related to the García Ortiz case.
On the other hand, Consuelo Madrigal and Jaime Moreno, prosecutors for the proceedings, have also applied for senior positions. Madrigal previously served as Attorney General under the Mariano Rajoy government, while Moreno is known for his principled stance on cases concerning Catalonia’s independence. Other contenders include Rafael Escobar and María Ángeles Garrido.
Vacancies and challenges
Three leadership positions in the criminal section became vacant for various reasons: one due to the promotion of Teresa Peramato, another because of Fidel Cadena’s upcoming retirement, and the third after Javier Huete’s term expired. In addition, a competition was announced for other positions both in the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office and in territorial and specialized divisions.
This process has become the first serious test for the new department head, Teresa Peramato. She promised to foster dialogue among different groups of prosecutors and “heal old wounds,” but the distribution of key positions between García Ortiz’s supporters and his opponents may only deepen internal divisions.
Internal disagreements
Conflicts between various associations and influence groups have long been brewing within the prosecutor’s office. On one side is the team close to the former Attorney General, and on the other are prosecutors who criticized his methods and decisions. The new appointments could serve as a litmus test for which way the pendulum of power will swing.
For Spanish society, this is more than just a matter of professional ambition. Who will head the criminal division will determine how the country’s most sensitive cases are interpreted and investigated. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Peramato’s decisions and how she handles the pressure and expectations of her colleagues.
