A trial has begun in Madrid that is already being called one of the most unusual in modern Spanish history. On the defendant’s bench sits none other than the country’s Attorney General—a figure typically associated with prosecution, not defense. Now, he himself must defend against his robed colleagues, adding an especially dramatic twist to the situation.
The charges against Álvaro García Ortiz relate to alleged tax evasion amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros. The case was initiated by an entrepreneur who made his fortune during the pandemic and is himself at the center of a tax scandal. As a result, the prosecutor faces up to six years in prison. The entire story has triggered a stormy response in political circles and among legal experts: some view the case as politically motivated, while others see it as necessary to maintain public trust in institutions.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that García Ortiz did not resign, despite pressure and calls from the opposition and even some of his own supporters. He has continued to perform his duties, appeared at official events, and has expressed confidence in his innocence. In his view, stepping down would set a dangerous precedent that could allow unwanted leaders to be removed through similar accusations in the future.
A personal drama with nationwide repercussions
In recent months, the prosecutor’s life has become a series of ordeals. In the capital, he has to be careful: on the streets of Madrid, he faces aggression and insults, while back home in Galicia he can afford to relax and walk on the beaches. His family supports him, but the pressure is felt in his personal life as well — at one point, he had to mortgage his wife’s apartment in Ourense to post the bail set by the judge.
A key detail: García Ortiz refused to hire a famous lawyer and instead entrusted his defense to state attorneys. He also skipped some official ceremonies to avoid a conflict of interest, but overall tried to maintain a public profile. In the Senate, he admitted that resigning would have been easier for him, but he chose to stay for the sake of his principles.
Impact on the political and judicial system
The case against the chief prosecutor has become a litmus test for Spanish democracy. Debate in society is ongoing: some see the proceedings as an attempt to pressure the independence of the judiciary, while others call it proof that no one is above the law. Either way, the process has already gone down in history as one of the most high-profile and widely discussed.
In the coming weeks, the attention of the entire country will be focused on the Supreme Court. The outcome of this case could affect not just one person’s fate, but also how justice and transparency are perceived in Spanish government institutions.
