Spain has changed the rules by which the state ensures the security of politicians and other public figures. This decision by the Ministry of the Interior is directly linked to the rise of unconventional threats, which now come not only from organized groups but also from social networks. For many Spaniards, these changes mean that familiar methods of protection no longer work, and new approaches may affect both public figures and less well-known citizens.
According to El Pais, an updated protocol was approved in February last year, replacing the guidelines that had been in place since 2012. The previous rules were introduced soon after the end of ETA attacks, at a time when the threat of terrorism remained relevant. Now, the focus has shifted to more diffuse and unpredictable risks connected to the internet and public activities.
Changes in the security system
The new document, titled “Instrucción para regular la prestación de servicios de protección de personas,” states that protection is provided not only to public officials and foreign guests, but also to those whom the police consider to be at particular risk due to their profession or personal circumstances. This decision became especially notable after journalist and political analyst Sarah Santaolalla was granted state protection, an incident that sparked protests among police unions.
The Ministry of the Interior refused to disclose the exact number of people under protection, citing the State Secrets Act. However, according to RUSSPAIN.COM estimates, this figure currently ranges between 150 and 200 people. Notably, information about the specific individuals receiving security remains classified, raising questions about transparency and oversight of such decisions.
New structures and criteria
Among the key innovations is the creation of the Commission for the Coordination of Security and Protection Services, which reports to the State Secretariat for Security. Its members include representatives from the National Police and the Guardia Civil, and the commission is currently headed by the director of the Office for Research and Coordination, Eugenio Pereiro. The commission is responsible for compiling the list of positions requiring protection and for approving security measures for individuals outside the highest state bodies.
The decision to provide security is made after assessing threats, the likelihood of them materializing, and the vulnerability of the potential target. Such an assessment may be initiated by police or at the request of the ministry. Depending on the risk level, the type of protection granted may include permanent security at home and work, escort during travel, or random checks in places where the protected person may appear.
Oversight and accountability
The protocol provides for maintaining a special registry where information about each protected person is recorded: identity, affiliation with an agency or group, protection start and end dates, as well as resources used and significant events that occur during the service. For witnesses and experts involved in cases against organized crime, a code system is used instead of real names.
Before starting protection, police officers hold a briefing with the person assigned for protection and provide security recommendations. If these recommendations are systematically ignored and this creates a threat, the information is forwarded to the ministry for further action. In certain cases, some security functions may be delegated to private security companies, as was practiced during the fight against ETA.
Periodic review and additional details
The protocol requires a compulsory review of the threat level at least once every six months. Based on the analysis, a decision may be made to extend, modify, or terminate protection. If the protected person travels outside their city or country, security measures are also reassessed.
Issues of transparency and oversight regarding security spending remain relevant. As El Pais notes, public interest in this topic is growing amid other high-profile government decisions, such as those in the field of social support. Recently, there was a discussion about illegal housing allowances for families in Castilla y León, which also sparked debate about transparency and government accountability — you can read more about this in the article on housing rental issues in the region.
In recent years, Spain has faced the need to reassess its approach to protecting public figures. After ETA ceased activity and the terrorist threat diminished, attention shifted to new forms of danger linked to digital technologies and a rise in online threats. Other European countries have also moved to tighten security protocols, especially following high-profile incidents involving politicians and journalists. These changes in Spain reflect the authorities’ efforts to adapt to a changing reality and ensure protection for those at risk because of their work.
