The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain has rejected sanctions against judges who made public criticisms of leading political figures, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and former Minister Irene Montero. The decisions came from a recent meeting of the Disciplinary Commission, which consists of a conservative majority of four members against three progressives. The sanctions proposed were significant, reaching up to 6,000 euros, but were ultimately overturned, highlighting division within Spain's judiciary regarding political criticism.

Judge Eloy Velasco faced backlash for his remarks regarding the 'Only Yes Is Yes' law, which has sparked debates about gender and consent. On the other hand, Manuel Ruiz de Lara labeled Sanchez's actions as 'golpismo' (coup-like behavior) and insulted Begoña Gómez, Sánchez's wife. These attacks have drawn significant attention, revealing deep ideological fissures within the judicial system concerning the limits of speech and criticism, especially against high-ranking officials.

The progressive members of the commission, who opposed the ruling, expressed disappointment and announced disagreements with the rejection of the sanctions, indicating a tension not only within the CGPJ but also within Spanish political discourse. This incident underscores the ongoing struggles over judicial independence in Spain and raises questions about the interplay between judiciary criticism and political accountability, as well as the potential implications for future judicial actions against political figures.