The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain is set to hold an extraordinary plenary meeting on Wednesday, where it aims to unanimously approve a proposal from its president, Isabel Perelló. This proposal suggests the immediate calling for 375 judge positions and commissioning an internal report to assess how many more should be filled through a 'fourth shift' for future recruitment. This initiative comes in response to the ongoing need to enhance the number of judges and magistrates to align with the judicial infrastructure demands.

According to the CGPJ's Strategic Plan for the next decade, which anticipates that by the end of 2025 there will be 5,903 judicial positions needing to be filled against only 5,643 currently available judges and magistrates. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap in resources within the judicial system, necessitating urgent action to recruit more personnel. The proposal reflects a consensus across both progressive and conservative blocks within the Council, emphasizing a bipartisan recognition of the issues faced by the justice system in Spain.

The addition of these judicial positions is crucial not only for managing current case loads but also for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process in the country. The CGPJ's commitment to expanding the judiciary comes amidst broader discussions on judicial reform and accountability, as Spain grapples with increasing legal demands and public expectations for timely justice. This proactive step signals an important move towards strengthening the integrity and functionality of Spain's justice system.