Total war between the CGPJ and Justice to cover the 500 new judicial positions
The relationship between the General Council of the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice in Spain is deteriorating due to disagreements over the recent announcement of 500 new judicial positions.
The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain, led by Isabel Perelló, is in conflict with the Ministry of Justice under Félix Bolaños over the government's plan to create 500 new judicial positions by 2026, which is touted as the largest increase in history. Perelló has warned King Felipe VI about a 'serious deficit of judges' in the country, indicating that the new positions do not adequately address the existing issues within the judiciary.
The contentious relationship between Perelló and Bolaños is well-known within judicial circles and stems from past disagreements regarding Perelló's appointment as president of the Supreme Court. Bolaños' preferred candidate was not chosen, leaving lingering tensions. Perelló has consistently defended the independence of the judiciary and publicly criticized the government's interference in judicial matters, suggesting that the underlying discord may impact the effective functioning of the justice system in Spain.
This ongoing conflict raises concerns about the future of judicial independence and the efficacy of proposed reforms. As the CGPJ continues to warn about the inadequacies in addressing the judicial deficit, it remains to be seen how both bodies will navigate their disagreements while ensuring that Spain's judicial system is equipped to handle its growing demands. The implications of this power struggle could reverberate throughout the judiciary and the broader governance landscape in Spain, affecting both legal practitioners and citizens alike.