The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) has taken a significant step in its ongoing conflict with the Ministry of Justice over the establishment of 500 new judicial positions by requesting detailed reports from the Supreme Court, the National Court, and the regional Superior Courts of Justice. This initiative follows a controversial royal decree proposed by Justice Minister Félix Bolaños, which has sparked tensions between him and the CGPJ's president, Isabel Perelló.

The royal decree plans to allocate approximately 363 of the new positions to trial courts, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing the judicial infrastructure at the initial levels of the judicial system. Additionally, 85 positions are designated for judges in collegiate bodies, with specific allocations to various high courts, highlighting the government's intent to strengthen both trial and appellate judicial capacities amidst existing judicial backlogs and public demand for efficiency.

This conflict not only underscores the ongoing power struggle between the executive and the judiciary in Spain, but also brings to light the urgency of judicial reform in response to a persisting crisis in the legal system. As the CGPJ seeks input from the country's highest judicial authorities, the outcome may shape future judicial appointments and the operational capacity of Spain's judiciary, making it a crucial matter for legal practitioners and the public alike.