Spain's top judicial body is facing a sharp internal conflict after Carlos Hugo Preciado, a member of the Consejo General del Poder Judicial (CGPJ) associated with the progressive bloc, publicly accused nine fellow council members of acting in line with the Ministry of Justice. In a strongly worded statement, Preciado said the members had put the council's independence at risk by following the political agenda of Minister Félix Bolaños.
The dispute followed criticism from the progressive bloc of CGPJ president Isabel Perelló over her comments at the official opening of the judicial year. The nine council members released a statement urging Perelló not to blame the Ministry for the justice system's problems. Preciado defended her right to speak about the challenges facing Spain's courts, arguing that suppressing such criticism shields the government from scrutiny. Spanish media reported that Perelló's speech on September 10, 2026, directly addressed political pressure on the judiciary. She insisted that judicial decisions are made "without influences, pressure, or interference."
The opening of the judicial year on September 10, 2026, was attended by King Felipe VI and Minister of Justice Félix Bolaños, underscoring the event's political significance.
Preciado warned that the CGPJ risks becoming a political tool if it continues to put the executive's interests ahead of its independence. He argued that loyalty to the institution means defending its autonomy, even when doing so is uncomfortable. He accused his colleagues of weakening the council's authority by sidelining the president from impressive decisions and seeking dialogue only when it suits their position. Several Spanish legal publications have noted that this rare public split within the CGPJ reflects broader tensions between the government and the judiciary over "lawfare" and judicial reforms, amid continuing strain on Spain's courts.
Preciado also accused the progressive bloc of using its political identity to deflect criticism, highlighting government achievements while ignoring practical problems and resource shortages caused by new efficiency laws. He argued that this selective silence amounts to bureaucratic corporatism, not progressivism, and protects the Ministry rather than the courts. Independent reports say Preciado has repeatedly stressed that cooperation with the executive must not become subordination, and that the CGPJ's independence from both the government and the Ministry of Justice is impressive to the rule of law.
Preciado said the CGPJ should not become territory controlled by political parties or replace old factionalism with new dependence on the executive. Collaboration with the government is necessary, he said, but must not cross into subordination. He also criticized the growing focus on productivity targets, warning that treating judges as bureaucrats tasked with meeting ministry quotas undermines the judiciary's purpose.
Spanish press coverage described the 2026 judicial year opening as one of the most tense in recent memory, with CGPJ blocs trading accusations after Perelló's speech. The president also highlighted that Spain's justice system remains too slow to handle the volume of incoming cases, adding a practical dimension to the political conflict.
Spanish media
The internal conflict comes as the relationship between Spain's judiciary and the government faces growing scrutiny. Recent disputes, including those involving Minister Bolaños and the council's handling of disciplinary matters, have already drawn national attention. The issue of judicial independence was highlighted in a recent case in which the council refused to sanction a judge, sparking further debate about political influence.
The CGPJ is responsible for protecting the independence of Spain's judiciary, a principle set out in the constitution and impressive to public trust in the legal system. When internal divisions become public and accusations of political subordination come from within, the institution's legitimacy is put at risk. Preciado's challenge points to a deeper problem: if the council cannot maintain clear distance from government interests, its ability to check executive power is weakened. The current crisis warns that the CGPJ must reaffirm its independence or risk losing the confidence of the judiciary and the public.
