The Spanish government has officially nominated Teresa Peramato for the position of Attorney General. This decision comes after the incumbent, Álvaro García Ortiz, was forced to step down following a court ruling related to the disclosure of confidential information. Peramato, 63, is renowned for her long-standing work supporting victims of violence and her active role in advancing progressive reforms within the judiciary.
Teresa Peramato’s professional background and expertise
Peramato has over three decades of experience in the prosecution service. In recent years, she led the criminal division at the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo) and oversaw the protection and support of victims in criminal proceedings. Her career is closely linked to combating violence against women: in 2005, she was appointed head of the gender violence unit in the Madrid prosecutor’s office, and from 2021 to 2025, she served as Spain’s chief prosecutor on gender-based violence.
Peramato has also participated in the expert panel of the national oversight council on violence against women, contributing to the preparation of the country’s first national report on the issue. Her professional reputation and consistent advocacy for victims’ rights have earned her wide recognition among colleagues and members of the judicial system.
Appointment procedure and political context
The change in leadership at the prosecutor’s office coincided with significant dates for Spain: García Ortiz’s resignation took place on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The new appointment is meant to underscore the authorities’ commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and advancing progressive values.
According to the Constitution, the Attorney General’s candidacy is confirmed by the King at the government’s proposal after consultation with the General Council of the Judiciary (Consejo General del Poder Judicial). Following the advisory opinion of the council—which is non-binding—the candidate must then undergo a hearing before the parliamentary justice committee. Only after these steps can the official appointment take place.
Political reactions and next steps
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition People’s Party (Partido Popular), insists that the new head of the prosecutor’s office should have at least 20 years of legal experience, should not have held political office in the past five years, and must be approved by the judicial council. Last year, the council did not support García Ortiz’s candidacy for the first time, sparking tensions between branches of government. Authorities hope that this time the process will proceed without complications.
Until an official decision is published regarding the dismissal of García Ortiz, he will continue to perform his duties. Interim leadership of the office has passed to Ángeles Sánchez Conde, Deputy Head of the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office. The approval process for Peramato is expected to take several weeks, after which she will officially assume her responsibilities.
Reasons for Resignation and the Outgoing Prosecutor’s Position
García Ortiz submitted his resignation, citing respect for judicial decisions and a desire to protect the reputation of the Prosecutor’s Office. He chose not to wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling to take effect and exercised his right to voluntary resignation. Under the law, the head of the Prosecutor’s Office may leave the post at their own request, which was the case here.
Thus, Spain is preparing for another leadership change in one of the core institutions of its justice system. Teresa Peramato will become the fourth Attorney General since Pedro Sánchez came to power in 2018. Her appointment signals a commitment to strengthening victim protection and renewing approaches within the Prosecutor’s Office.
