Spain faces a new controversy over the appointment of a judge to one of the country’s most powerful courts. The spotlight is on a vacancy in the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court (Sala de lo Penal del Tribunal Supremo), which handles cases involving top politicians and officials. This time, the contest for the judge’s seat has taken an unexpected turn: among the candidates is Silvina Bacigalupo, whose name has already sparked a storm of debate in legal and political circles.
Bacigalupo is more than just an experienced lawyer. She is known as the sister of Teresa Ribera’s wife, as well as an adviser to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Support from the Council of Judges’ progressive wing (CGPJ) has triggered fierce criticism from conservatives, who view her candidacy as overly politicized. As a result, the selection process is on the verge of a deadlock, and tensions between the opposing camps are rising.
A shortlist under pressure
The Qualification Commission, dominated by conservatives, decided against presenting a short list and instead submitted 12 candidates for consideration. Out of the original 14 applicants, only two were excluded from the final list. This move was intended to postpone the final decision, as neither side has enough votes to confirm their preferred candidate. As a result, the appointment could be delayed indefinitely.
Silvina Bachigalupo is a prominent figure with an impressive track record. She heads the Spanish branch of Transparency International, specializes in criminal law in the economic sector, and actively participates in research on transparency and anti-corruption issues. In the past, she was part of the so-called ‘Council of Wise People’ created at Sánchez’s initiative, and contributed to the drafting of the Socialist Party’s election program, overseeing issues of ethics and transparency.
Politics and the Judiciary
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Supreme Court’s criminal chamber is currently investigating high-profile corruption cases involving former senior members of the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE), such as Santos Cerdán and José Luis Ábalos. The latter, incidentally, will soon stand trial. In this climate, any attempt to appoint a judge linked to the ruling authorities is perceived as a threat to judicial independence.
Alongside Bachigalupo, the list of candidates includes four other women and seven men. However, it is her candidacy that has become the main point of contention. Conservatives fear her appointment could increase government influence over the judiciary, while progressive judges emphasize her professionalism and experience in anti-corruption matters.
Deadlock and Expectations
At least 13 votes are required to approve a new judge, but no single faction within the Judicial Council can gather that many on its own. As a result, the appointment process may stall until new vacancies appear — over the next year, three more retirements are expected in the criminal chamber. This sets the stage for renewed negotiations and potentially a broader agreement between opposing camps.
For now, the situation remains unresolved. The question of who will hold a key position in the Supreme Court has become not only a legal issue but a political one. In Spain, concerns are growing that the judicial system is turning into a battleground for progressive and conservative forces, and the fate of major decisions may depend on behind-the-scenes deals.
Looking Ahead
The scandal over the Bachigalupo nomination is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, the struggle for control of the judiciary continues, and each new round of confrontation only deepens public mistrust in the system. Spanish society is closely watching how events unfold, as the outcome of this conflict will determine not just the composition of the Supreme Court, but the future of judicial independence in the country.
