Spain has launched an expedited process to select a new head of the operational division of the National Police. The move follows the unexpected resignation of the former director amid allegations of sexual assault. This development has already impacted the agency’s operations and could pave the way for a historic shift: for the first time ever, a woman is being considered for this pivotal role.
Urgent selection process
The Ministry of the Interior has announced a special procedure to fill the vacant post of operational director. Candidates must submit their documents and resumes through the internal network within just one week. This short deadline reflects the urgency to stabilize leadership and end the uncertainty that arose after the departure of José Ángel González Jiménez, known as Jota.
According to El Pais, the appointment decision will be made personally by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska after consultations with Police Director Francisco Pardo and the Secretary of State for Security, Aina Calvo. Only chief commissioners who are not suspended or on pre-retirement medical leave are eligible to participate. The winner will not only gain the title but also receive an additional payment of €48,600 per year, reflecting the highest administrative rank.
Women among the frontrunners
Currently, Spain’s National Police has 89 men and 22 women serving as chief commissioners. Following the scandal and the resignation of the previous leader, the responsibilities are being handled temporarily by Gemma Barroso, who oversees personnel management and training. For the first time in the agency’s history, the possibility of appointing a woman to such a high position is under discussion—an issue that has become especially relevant amidst accusations faced by the former director.
Six women, all members of the director’s advisory council, are being considered as possible candidates. Among them are Gemma Barroso, Almudena Tudanca, María del Carmen Solís, Alicia Malo, Luisa María Benvenuty, and María Cristina Marí García. Each already holds a leadership role in various departments, which fuels interest in the competition and highlights the symbolic significance of a potential appointment.
Reaction and consequences
The scandal involving the former director sparked widespread public debate and prompted discussions about the role of women in law enforcement. Within the Interior Ministry, there is growing support for appointing a woman as operational director—not just as a move toward equality, but also as an important signal to society at large. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, such personnel changes have already been discussed in other government bodies in the wake of high-profile sexual abuse cases, such as following the resignation of the ICAVI chief in the Canary Islands (details on the consequences of the scandal in the Canary Islands).
In the coming days, it will be announced who will fill the vacant position. Sources within the department note that the decision will be made as quickly as possible to restore public trust in the police and ensure stability in management.
In recent years, Spain has witnessed several high-profile resignations in government agencies caused by allegations of sexual offenses or abuse of power. Such cases have led to a reassessment of staffing policies and have accelerated the promotion of women to leadership roles. These changes have affected not only law enforcement but also other areas of public administration. Each new scandal prompts renewed discussion about equal opportunities and transparency in key appointments.
