A new wave of debate is unfolding in Spain over judicial reform, an issue that could impact anyone dealing with the justice system. Criticism from the head of the Supreme Court and the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) comes amid a severe shortage of judges and growing concerns about the quality of court performance. The core issue is not only structural changes, but also how these reforms will affect the accessibility and speed of case processing.
At the center of the discussion is an initiative by Minister Félix Bolaños, who has proposed transforming traditional courts into new courts of instance. During a formal ceremony in Barcelona where new judges were appointed, Supreme Court President Isabel Perelló openly voiced her concerns about the haste and lack of thorough planning in the reform. She pointed out that Spain is already suffering from staffing shortages: there are only eleven judges per hundred thousand inhabitants, compared to a European average of seventeen.
Staff shortages
Perelló highlighted that the current situation leads to overworked judges, delays in case hearings, and reduced efficiency of the system. In her view, without increasing the number of judges and investing in infrastructure, any reforms risk remaining purely theoretical. She insists on the need for urgent investments and more careful preparation of changes to prevent further deterioration in the quality of justice.
A major concern is that the judiciary lacks independent authority to expand staff or improve working conditions. All decisions depend on the political will and budget allocations of the government. Perelló called for genuine dialogue between all branches of power and insisted on the mandatory involvement of the professional community in designing reforms.
Judicial Community’s Response
The reform has sparked a wave of discontent among judges and prosecutors. Many believe the proposed changes to the selection process for new judges do not align with the principles of equality and professionalism. Judges’ associations fear that rushed innovations could lower the level of training for new staff and, as a result, degrade the quality of court decisions.
Perelló specifically emphasized that any reforms must take into account the views of those who work in the courts every day. She stressed that judges and magistrates are interested in modernizing the system, but they demand that changes be well-considered and not jeopardize citizens’ rights.
Implementation Challenges
One of the main problems remains the judiciary’s lack of an independent budget. This limits opportunities to hire new staff and upgrade technical resources. Perelló insists that without real funding, any structural changes will fail to produce the expected results.
She also called for immediate competitions to fill vacant positions, without lowering the requirements for candidates. In her view, this is the only way to maintain a high level of trust in the judicial system and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.
Consequences for citizens
The shortage of judges is already leading to longer case processing times and additional workload for current staff. This affects the quality of justice and may undermine public trust in the judicial system. Perello emphasized that ensuring the effective operation of the courts is not only the judges’ responsibility, but that of the entire state.
At the close of the ceremony, she wished good luck to the young judge who will be investigating the recent railway disaster in Adamuz (Adamuz, Córdoba). This gesture became a symbol of support for new staff who will have to work amid reforms and a staffing shortage.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced waves of discontent among judges and prosecutors due to attempts to reform the judicial system without considering the views of the professional community. Such initiatives have often led to strikes and mass appeals to the government demanding increased funding and greater transparency in the reform process. In 2024, a similar situation arose after an attempt to change the procedure for appointing judges, which prompted a strong reaction from associations and sparked discussion at the European Union level. The issue of the independence and effectiveness of the judicial system remains one of the most pressing for Spanish society.
