The Spanish central government has reached an agreement with the Catalan political party ERC to increase the number of judges in Catalonia. This agreement is a part of a broader effort to enhance the judicial system in the region, bringing the total number of judges to 1,050 in the next two years. Originally, the government had planned to add 91 positions this year, but the new agreement will allow for an additional 90 judges by 2027, resulting in significant growth from the current figure of 870. This initiative comes in response to ongoing criticisms about resource limitations in the judicial system, particularly following the recent enactment of a Judicial Efficiency Law intended to reorganize the justice sector.

Furthermore, this agreement reflects the Spanish government's acknowledgment of the judicial system's challenges, particularly in Catalonia, where a backlog has become a pressing issue. The decision to augment the number of judicial positions aims to improve efficiency and address the increasing demands on the legal system. Therefore, the enhancement of judicial resources is not merely a response to political pressure but represents a significant shift in how the central government is approaching judicial administration in autonomous communities like Catalonia.

The timing of this agreement also coincides with potential upcoming changes to the Spanish Penal Code, which are expected to be debated in Congress. Such developments highlight the interconnectedness of these legal reforms and the ongoing efforts to modernize the judicial system while responding to regional concerns. As legislative changes unfold, the expansion of judicial capacities in Catalonia could significantly influence the functionality of the justice system in the region, reinforcing the government's commitment to ensuring a more efficient legal process for its citizens.