An unprecedented scandal has erupted in Spain: the Supreme Court has sentenced the country’s Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, finding him guilty of disclosing confidential information. The court ordered his removal from office for two years and imposed a fine of €7,200, along with court costs, including the expenses of the private prosecution, which was brought by Alberto González Amador, the partner of the President of the Madrid Community, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
The court’s decision followed an investigation into the publication of an email linked to alleged tax fraud involving González Amador. According to the court, the Attorney General leaked confidential data and issued an official statement in an attempt to refute rumors spread by Ayuso’s chief of staff, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez.
Political response
The verdict sparked a strong reaction among politicians and the public. Minister Óscar López criticized the court’s decision, stating that it lacked direct evidence and called its reasoning ‘uninspired.’ Government representatives declined to comment immediately, while the opposition Partido Popular sharply condemned García Ortiz, labeling him a ‘criminal.’
The socialists of PSOE acknowledged the verdict but stressed their disagreement with it. The leftist Podemos party called the court’s decision “shameful” and “coup-mongering,” while the Sumar movement described it as a “verdict on demand.” As a result, the case has sparked fierce political debate, dividing Spanish society.
Implications for the case
The court’s decision effectively closes the door for González Amador to seek the dismissal of previous criminal charges brought against him. His associates had considered this strategy as a possible defense, but it is no longer relevant. Still, there was dissent within the panel of judges: two judges voted to acquit García Ortiz, citing insufficient evidence.
For the first time in modern Spanish history, such a senior member of the judiciary has been punished for disclosing official secrets. This decision could set a precedent for future cases involving information leaks and interference in matters affecting politicians and those around them.
A historic precedent
The scandal surrounding the Attorney General and his actions in a case involving the partner of the head of the Madrid Community has become one of the most widely discussed events in Spanish politics in recent years. The verdict underscores the importance of upholding professional ethics and confidentiality within public institutions, especially when dealing with politically sensitive cases.
At the same time, the court’s decision has sparked renewed debate about the boundaries of what is permissible in public statements and actions by officials, as well as the influence of political interests on judicial proceedings.
RUSSPAIN.COM reports that Álvaro García Ortiz has held the position of Attorney General of Spain since 2022. Prior to his appointment, he worked in the Galicia prosecutor’s office and was known as an anti-corruption specialist. His career has been frequently discussed in the media, and the current scandal is the most high-profile incident of his tenure.
