Spain's Attorney General Resigns After Leak Conviction

Historic Supreme Court Conviction

In an unprecedented decision against such a senior legal figure in Spain, the Supreme Court found Álvaro García Ortiz guilty of unlawfully revealing confidential information about businessman Alberto González Amador. García Ortiz, who has served as Spain's chief prosecutor since 2022, received a two-year disqualification from office, a fine of €7,200 ($8,295), and was ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation to González Amador for moral damages.

The ruling, which saw two out of seven judges dissent, represents a severe blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialist-led government, which appointed García Ortiz to his position. The attorney general announced his resignation less than a week after the conviction, citing "profound respect" for judicial rulings.

The Controversial Case Explained

The case centers on a tax fraud investigation involving Alberto González Amador, the boyfriend of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid's conservative regional president and one of Prime Minister Sánchez's most vocal critics. González Amador was under investigation for allegedly evading tax payments worth €350,951.

In March 2024, the attorney general's office issued a press release stating that González Amador had requested a plea bargain after being found to have evaded taxes. The document was intended to correct mistaken press reports claiming that prosecutors had initiated the plea deal. The incorrect reports originated from the head of communications for Isabel Díaz Ayuso.

González Amador filed a complaint against García Ortiz, claiming his privacy had been breached. Prosecutors also accused the attorney general of leaking information about the case to the media. During testimony, García Ortiz denied the accusations, stating he was simply correcting erroneous reports. Several journalists testified that García Ortiz had not been their source of information.

Political Fallout and Reactions

The conviction has deepened Spain's already acrimonious political divide. Conservative opposition leaders demanded immediate action from the government. Ester Muñoz, spokeswoman for the People's Party (PP), declared on social media that "Sánchez must apologise to Spaniards, resign and call elections, in that order."

The government, however, maintained a more measured response. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños stated that while the government respected the ruling, it disagreed with the decision. Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría expressed concern that the lack of unanimity among judges and the notification of the verdict without a full written ruling set a worrying precedent.

Left-wing politicians expressed outrage at what they perceived as a politically motivated ruling. Health Minister Mónica García of the Sumar party claimed the conviction dealt a "lethal blow to the concept of presumption of innocence" and threw ordinary Spaniards "under the bus" regarding the rule of law.

Wider Corruption Investigations

The attorney general's conviction comes amid increasing judicial pressure on Prime Minister Sánchez's government. Multiple corruption investigations are currently underway involving the prime minister's family and political allies. Sánchez's wife is under investigation for her business activities, while his brother faces trial for influence peddling.

Two former senior Socialist Party figures, José Luis Ábalos and Santos Cerdán, are accused of overseeing a massive kickback scheme. Sánchez ordered Cerdán to resign as the party's organizational secretary in June after a Supreme Court judge found "firm evidence" of possible involvement in taking kickbacks on public construction contracts.

These investigations are particularly damaging given that Sánchez came to power in 2018 promising to crack down on corruption following scandals that brought down his predecessor.

The Debate Over Judicial Politicization

The case has reignited debate about the politicization of Spain's judiciary. Critics argue that the legal system has become increasingly entangled with partisan politics, while defenders maintain that judges are simply upholding the rule of law regardless of political considerations.

The lack of direct evidence linking García Ortiz to media leaks has fueled these concerns. Prosecutors pointed to the attorney general's decision to change his phone as suspicious, but no concrete proof of wrongdoing was presented. The conviction was based primarily on the press release itself, which García Ortiz maintained was a legitimate correction of false information.

What Happens Next

Despite his resignation, García Ortiz retains the right to appeal. He can bring the case before Spain's Constitutional Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The Supreme Court has yet to provide its complete written rationale for the verdict, which legal experts say could provide grounds for appeal.

The Spanish government has announced it will begin the process of appointing a new attorney general in the coming days. The nomination of García Ortiz's successor will be closely watched as an indicator of how the Sánchez administration intends to navigate the ongoing judicial and political challenges it faces.

This case represents a critical moment for Spain's legal system and political stability. As the country grapples with questions about judicial independence, government accountability, and the boundaries of press freedom, the repercussions of this conviction will likely reverberate through Spanish politics for months to come.