Political tensions flare in Madrid as Spain’s Constitutional Court rules that the leadership of the Madrid Assembly violated the rights of opposition deputies by repeatedly rejecting initiatives to investigate the activities of Isabel Díaz Ayuso’s partner. The court found that these actions exceeded the Assembly leadership’s authority and undermined core principles of political representation.
Tensions rose after Más Madrid demanded the creation of a commission to investigate contracts signed by the regional government during the pandemic in early March 2024. At that time, Alberto González Amador, Ayuso’s partner, was not yet at the center of any public scandals, but he soon became embroiled in a high-profile tax fraud case. Despite this, opposition proposals were blocked, sparking widespread criticism of the ruling party.
Political barriers
The Assembly leadership, dominated by supporters of Ayuso, has consistently rejected opposition proposals. These included not only requests to establish an investigative committee, but also legislative initiatives seeking to review cooperation schemes between the state and private medical organizations, including the Quirón group with which Amador was affiliated. Additionally, the opposition demanded that the president’s chief of staff, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, be called to testify following his harsh remarks against journalists investigating the tax fraud case.
The Constitutional Court emphasized that such decisions should be made not behind closed doors, but in plenary sessions attended by all deputies. The judges noted that the Assembly leadership had exceeded its authority, substituting itself for the forum meant for open political debate. According to the court, this undermines the very essence of representative democracy.
Reaction and aftermath
The court’s decision has dealt a serious blow to the image of the regional authorities. The document specifically notes that the rejection of opposition initiatives was driven by political, not legal, considerations. The court ordered the Assembly to review its decisions, taking into account the rights of the deputies that had been violated. However, two judges expressed a dissenting opinion, disagreeing with the majority.
At the same time, earlier this week, the court had already pointed to similar violations regarding questions addressed to Miguel Ángel Rodríguez. On that occasion, Socialist representative Marta Bernardo saw her inquiries about Rodríguez’s statements also blocked by the Assembly majority.
Questions of trust
The scandal surrounding the business activities of Ayuso’s partner and the authorities’ response to opposition efforts to obtain transparency has once again cast doubt on the principles of openness and accountability in regional politics. The Constitutional Court’s decision could set a precedent for other regions where opposition parties face similar barriers.
In Madrid, debates continue over whether this ruling will lead to real change in the Assembly’s operations or remain just another reminder of the importance of upholding democratic procedures. One thing is clear: attempts to restrict political debate and hide uncomfortable questions are causing growing discontent not only among the opposition, but also within parts of society.
