For the first time in the history of the Guardia Civil, a general de división has formally accused a teniente general of exerting political pressure over official protocol. The conflict erupted in the lead-up to Madrid's May 2, 2025, commemorations, when internal communications revealed attempts to keep regional chief Fernando Mora from attending the annual events honoring the 1808 uprising.
Information from details obtained by ABC, Luis Antonio del Castillo Ruano, head of the Mando de Operaciones (MOPS), relayed a direct order from Mercedes González, director general of the Guardia Civil, instructing Mora to skip the official ceremonies. Described as a political instruction reportedly originating from the Ministry, it came amid heightened tensions between the central government and the Madrid regional administration led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
Mora resisted, arguing that the Guardia Civil must remain impartial and stay out of political disputes. He refused to excuse himself from the event without valid reason, citing the force's commitment to honor and neutrality. The exchange escalated. Mora said the order amounted to a slight against both the Community of Madrid and its president.
After further discussions, including a direct conversation with González, the initial order was reversed. Mora ultimately received authorization to attend the May 2 ceremonies and formally acknowledged it. The episode unfolded weeks after the government of Pedro Sánchez prohibited the traditional military parade for the Dos de Mayo, prompting the regional president to lodge a formal protest with the Ministry of Defense. The parade decision and the separate dispute over Mora's attendance involved different questions: the organization of the public event and the participation of a regional Guardia Civil chief.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Guardia Civil's leadership and its relationship with political authorities. Several senior officers have voiced concerns that parts of the command structure are being used to serve government interests rather than maintain institutional independence. The controversy follows previous high-profile disputes, including the Supreme Court's annulment of the dismissal of Pérez de los Cobos, which limited the government's ability to remove regional commanders without judicial oversight.
The Dos de Mayo parade was halted in Madrid, while the military tribute to the heroes of 1808 continued in Seville, highlighting the different treatment of official commemorations. The situation has fueled debate over the politicization of Spain's security forces and the limits of ministerial authority. The Guardia Civil has previously raised concerns about operational directives and political interference, including nationwide emergency response plans (see analysis of internal warnings over DGT's V16 beacon plan).
The broader context includes the fallout from the Koldo case and the so-called Leire plot, both of which have put additional pressure on the Guardia Civil's investigative units. In a separate UCO-related controversy, Spanish media have reported internal proceedings over the handling of information and alleged pressure on Guardia Civil personnel. El Independiente reported that four disciplinary proceedings were opened in connection with the wider matter: González opened two, and the directorate of judicial police opened two.
Audiencia Nacional judge Santiago Pedraz has summoned González as an investigated person in proceedings examining alleged obstruction of justice and pressure on Guardia Civil commanders. González has denied taking part in efforts to halt judicial investigations and said she considers herself a victim of the alleged scheme. The proceedings are separate from the Dos de Mayo protocol dispute. They do not establish that the alleged order concerning Mora was politically motivated, and being summoned as an investigated person does not amount to a conviction.
Reporting on the separate UCO controversy has also described an internal reserved inquiry into possible leaks, opened on 11 May 2025. Manuel Llamas, identified in that coverage as the Guardia Civil's Director Adjunto Operativo, submitted defense arguments attributing the opening of one inquiry to a call involving González and former Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Those allegations concern a different sequence of events and should not be conflated with the May 2 ceremony.
González left the Guardia Civil directorate in 2023 to run on the PSOE list for Madrid before returning to public office. That political history has become part of wider debate about the relationship between the force's command structure and the Interior Ministry, but it does not establish the motive for any particular order. The May 2 commemorations laid bare continuing tension between government authority and the institutional neutrality expected of Spain's security forces.
Established in the 19th century, Spain's Guardia Civil has long been regarded as a pillar of national security and public order. Its dual military and civilian character has often placed it at the center of political debates, particularly when tensions rise between central and regional authorities. The dispute highlights the challenges facing the force as it responds to expectations of transparency and political neutrality, with questions of accountability also in play.
