The leadership shake-up in Spain’s National Police has become an unexpected event that may impact public perception of the country’s law enforcement agencies. The decision to immediately remove the deputy director is linked to serious allegations, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in government institutions. For many Spaniards, this case is a troubling sign of the need for change within the system.
A high-profile decision
On Thursday, a special edition of the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) published an order from the Ministry of the Interior stating that José Ángel González Jiménez, Deputy Director of the National Police, has been dismissed. The reason was a sexual harassment complaint filed by his subordinate. The document was signed by Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska, following an initiative from the Director General of Police.
González Jiménez resigned after a judge officially agreed to review the lawsuit filed in January. He was summoned for questioning as the accused, prompting the urgent personnel decision. According to the former deputy director, he stepped down to avoid damaging the agency’s reputation and to be able to defend himself in court.
Interim replacement
Gemma Barroso, the head of human resources, has been appointed as the acting deputy director. This is in accordance with internal regulations, which prescribe the transfer of powers in the absence or resignation of the main director. Barroso will serve in this role until a new permanent deputy is appointed.
Within the structure of the National Police, when a vacancy arises, responsibilities are transferred to the heads of the human resources, logistics, and technical departments. This distribution helps avoid management disruptions and maintain stability within the agency.
Reaction and consequences
The scandal has sparked widespread public resonance and has become a topic of media discussion. As reported by El Confidencial, the leadership change comes amid growing attention to ethics and conduct in government agencies. Recalling recent cases, it is worth noting that after similar accusations, authorities in Spain have previously announced the launch of anti-harassment programs. However, according to RUSSPAIN.COM, no documented evidence of such training has been found.
Urgent meetings were held within the police force itself to discuss measures to prevent such situations in the future. Agency leadership emphasizes that any allegations will be treated with the utmost seriousness in order to maintain public trust.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in complaints about inappropriate behavior within government institutions. Such incidents have already led to the resignation of senior officials and the adoption of new regulations. In 2024, a police chief in one of the country’s provinces was also removed from office following harassment allegations, sparking a wave of debate about the need for reform. Similar cases in other European countries often prompt a review of HR policies and stricter monitoring of employee conduct.
Public attention to the issue of sexual harassment in Spain remains high, and each new case sparks a strong reaction in the media and social networks. Authorities are forced to respond swiftly to avoid a loss of trust in public institutions. As a result of such scandals, internal investigations are subject to greater scrutiny and ethical standards for civil servants are becoming increasingly stringent.
