Spain’s political debate has sharpened once again after the Supreme Court convicted Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz for revealing secrets, a ruling that triggered his mandatory departure and opened a new front in in the dispute between that Spanish government and the opposition. The court imposed a two-year disqualification, a €7,200 fine and €10,000 in compensation to businessman Alberto González Amador whose tax information was disclosed during an exchange over disputed press reports.
The case originated in March 2024, when the Attorney General’s Office issued a statement correcting media accounts about a proposed plea bargain involving González Amador, partner od Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Prosecutors argued that the clarification unlawfully exposed confidential tax details. García Ortizdenied wrongdoings and said he had merely corrected inaccurate coverage. Although prosecutors highlighted his decision to change phones, the court found no direct evidence linking him to the separate media leak.
The ruling adopted by five of seven judges in the chamber immediately deepened the political divides. Opposition figures said the decision confirmed what they viewed as improper conduct at the top of the justice system. One senior opposition spokesperson argued that the conviction required a broader political response and said, “Sánchez must apologise to the Spaniards, resign and call elections.” Government officials they disagreed with the verdict, but respected it and would begin the process of appointing a new Attorney General.
Ruling government parties reacted with concern, claiming the decision risked setting a dangerous precedent. Health Minister Mónica García said the ruling delivered what she called “a lethal blow to [the concept of] presumption of innocence,” expressing fear that ordinary citizens could be left exposed in future disputes over confidential information.
The verdict is unprecedented. It marks the first time a sitting attorney general has been convicted of a criminal offense. It lands at a moment when Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces heightened scrutiny, with separate judicial proceedings involving his brother and an investigation into the business activities of his wife. Former senior Socialist Party officials are also under investigation for an alleged kickback scheme.
