Judge Peinado's move to send Begoña Gómez to trial has sparked sharp police union protests. The PP supports security forces but admits Gómez's guilt is unproven. The CGPJ may discipline the judge.
The Partido Popular (PP) is under pressure after Judge Juan Carlos Peinado decided to open a criminal trial against Begoña Gómez, wife of the Prime Minister. The move, which brings Gómez closer to the defendant's bench, has triggered a wave of criticism from police unions. Officers are angered by Peinado's suggestion that Gómez's police escorts could help her flee, a claim used to justify precautionary measures such as passport surrender and a travel ban.
PP's Cuca Gamarra responded to the unrest by calling the police reaction "logical" and reaffirming the party's trust in law enforcement. She emphasized the professionalism and impartiality of the security forces, especially as they investigate alleged pressures from the Prime Minister's circle. Gamarra, speaking in Logroño, stressed that the PP supports the police and respects their role in protecting citizens.
The National Police Directorate issued a statement defending the honor and integrity of its officers, rejecting any speculative claims that could damage the institution's reputation. The agency highlighted the public trust earned by the police and reiterated its commitment to constitutional legality and cooperation with the courts.
Meanwhile, the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) is considering disciplinary action against Judge Peinado for his comments about the police. The council will meet in person to debate the issue, after an online meeting was canceled. Gamarra noted that the PP respects the CGPJ's independence and will not interfere with its decisions, underlining the importance of separation of powers.
PP Secretary General Miguel Tellado, however, questioned the urgency of the CGPJ's meeting in a social media post, hinting at political motives behind the timing. Despite the party's strong rhetoric against the government, Gamarra acknowledged that Gómez's guilt has not been established and that the judicial process must run its course. She argued that, regardless of the outcome, there is political responsibility and accused La Moncloa of being a "center of influence peddling."
This stance aligns with previous PP statements, which have focused on the ethical and political implications of Gómez's activities, suggesting she benefited from her position as the Prime Minister's spouse. The party has consistently framed the issue as a matter of public integrity, regardless of whether criminal charges are ultimately proven.
Vox, in contrast, distanced itself from the police unions' statements, criticizing senior police officials but defending rank-and-file officers. Vox's national spokesperson for Security, Immigration, and Interior Affairs argued that left-wing politicians and sympathetic journalists would use the police statements to undermine the investigation and discredit Judge Peinado.
For context, recent months have seen heightened scrutiny of figures close to the Prime Minister, with the PP and other parties seizing on judicial investigations to question the government's integrity. This political climate has led to sharp exchanges and public demonstrations of support or criticism for judicial and police actions. In a separate but similarly charged case, a high-profile police response in Alcalá de Henares highlighted the sensitivity around law enforcement's public image.
Spain's judicial system allows for the opening of oral proceedings even before guilt is established, and the CGPJ plays a key role in overseeing judicial conduct. Police unions in Spain have significant influence and often react strongly to perceived slights against their members. The current dispute underscores the complex relationship between the judiciary, law enforcement, and political parties, especially when high-profile figures are involved.
