The announcement of a last-minute change in the composition of the tribunal judging José Luis Ábalos, along with Koldo García and Víctor Aldama regarding the 'mask case', has raised eyebrows in Spain. Ana Ferrer, the only woman on the panel and considered to be the most progressive judge, will be replaced by Vicente Magro, a judge perceived to align with conservative views. This alteration comes just a day before a crucial preliminary hearing and leaves the tribunal with an all-male lineup, predominantly comprised of conservative judges.

Ana Ferrer's medical leave was cited as the reason for her replacement, which has sparked discussions about the representation of women in the judiciary and the potential impact on the trial's outcomes. Critics argue that the absence of a progressive voice on the panel can contribute to an imbalance in the justice system, especially in a politically charged case like that surrounding Ábalos and the alleged misconduct related to mask procurement during the pandemic.

With Vicente Magro stepping in for Ferrer, the dynamics of the tribunal are likely to shift. Given Magro's conservative affiliations, there are concerns that the judgment in this politically sensitive case may lean more towards conservative interpretations of the law. This situation highlights broader issues of gender representation and political diversity within the judicial system in Spain, which advocates fear could undermine public confidence in the judiciary's impartiality.