In a dramatic development that has rocked Spanish politics, the country's attorney general has resigned following a Supreme Court verdict finding him guilty of leaking confidential information.
Unprecedented Political Fallout
Álvaro García Ortiz stepped down from his position on Monday after the Supreme Court found him guilty last week of improperly sharing sensitive information related to a case involving the partner of a prominent opposition figure. The resignation represents a significant setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's leftist coalition government, which had appointed García Ortiz in 2022 and consistently defended his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The timing of his departure is particularly notable, coming before the court had even handed down its full two-year sentence that would have barred him from his post. In a letter addressed to Justice Minister Félix Bolaños, García Ortiz stated that his decision stemmed from "profound respect" for judicial rulings, despite maintaining his belief in his own innocence.
A Contentious Verdict and Government Reaction
The case has generated considerable controversy, not only for its unprecedented nature but also for the manner in which the verdict was delivered. Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría expressed the administration's position clearly, telling state broadcaster TVE: "We respect the court's decision but do not agree with it."
Alegría highlighted several concerns about the ruling process, noting that the lack of unanimity among judges and the notification of the verdict without a complete ruling had created what she described as "stupefaction" among the Spanish public. She emphasised that these procedural aspects set a worrying precedent for future cases.
In his resignation letter, which was seen by Reuters, García Ortiz struck a defiant yet respectful tone. "Though my decision stems directly from the ruling, I'm convinced that I've faithfully served the institution to which I am honoured to belong, with an unequivocal vocation for public service, a sense of duty and institutional loyalty," he wrote.
Legal Avenues Remain Open
Despite his resignation, the legal battle may not be over. The Supreme Court has yet to publish its full rationale for the verdict, and legal experts suggest that García Ortiz could still pursue appeals through Spain's constitutional court and potentially the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
The case represents one of the most significant challenges to the Sánchez government, which has faced increasing political pressure in recent months. The resignation of such a high-ranking official over a guilty verdict underscores the ongoing tensions between Spain's judicial and executive branches.
Political analysts are watching closely to see how this development will affect the government's stability and its ability to implement its legislative agenda in the coming months.
