State Prosecutor Teresa Peramato declined to answer senators' questions about meetings between PSOE's 'fontanera' and the Fiscalía. She insisted on the institution's independence and rejected claims of political interference.
State Prosecutor Teresa Peramato faced sharp questioning in the Senate after refusing to disclose information about meetings between Leire Díez, known as the 'fontanera' of the PSOE, and senior officials at the Fiscalía. During her appearance before the Justice Committee, Peramato made clear that neither the Constitution nor parliamentary chambers grant oversight powers over the Public Prosecutor's Office. She emphasized her duty to confidentiality and declined to comment on ongoing judicial matters, including the cases involving Leire Díez and Plus Ultra.
Opposition senators pressed Peramato for specifics about the frequency and nature of Díez's visits, as well as any instructions given regarding high-profile cases. Peramato dismissed these questions, arguing they were based on subjective opinions rather than facts. She firmly denied any suggestion that the Fiscalía operates as part of a criminal network, calling such accusations disrespectful to the institution and its 2,800 prosecutors.
Peramato stated that all relevant information requested by the central investigating court about visitors to the Fiscalía between January and June 2025, and meetings from April 2024 to June 2025, had been provided. She also rejected claims of internal purges or politically motivated appointments, insisting that all decisions were guided by merit, professionalism, and the needs of the service. According to Peramato, the Fiscal Council's role is advisory and does not have binding authority over discretionary appointments.
Senators from the Partido Popular criticized Peramato for not defending prosecutors allegedly threatened by the PSOE's 'fontanera' and questioned the lack of official records of Díez's visits. María José Pardo Pumar, representing the PP, accused Peramato of favoring personal and ideological allies in her appointments and claimed that better-qualified prosecutors had been sidelined. Vox's spokesperson, Paloma Gómez, raised concerns about alleged PSOE influence within the Fiscalía General. ERC senator Joan Josep Queralt questioned the weight given to statements and schedules from figures like Víctor de Aldama and Leire Díez, suggesting that interpretations may be exaggerated.
Spain's Public Prosecutor's Office is constitutionally independent, with the State Prosecutor appointed by the government but expected to act autonomously. The recent scrutiny reflects ongoing political tensions over the perceived impartiality of the Fiscalía, especially in cases involving government-linked figures. The debate highlights the challenges of maintaining public trust in judicial institutions amid accusations of political interference and internal division.
