José María Fernández Seijo, a progressive member of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), has expressed his views on the need to readdress the structure and politics of judicial appointments in Spain. Having served as a judge for over 35 years and recently appointed in July 2024, he has stepped into a leadership role within the progressive bloc of the council. He acknowledges the challenges of working within a framework that can often require compromises and admits to feeling constrained in fulfilling his vision for judicial reform.

Seijo emphasizes the necessity of rebuilding the reputation and function of the CGPJ, which he perceives to have become undermined and counterproductive. His early attempts at fostering consensus and moving towards reform faced significant setbacks, leading to a turbulent period within the council. Despite his intentions of initiating a progressive agenda in judicial appointments, he recognizes that the realities of the institutional structure may hinder these efforts.

His recent experiences highlight the broader implications of governance within Spanish judicial institutions, particularly regarding the balance of power and representation in appointments. Seijo's reflections on his role suggest a need for a more collaborative approach to restructuring the CGPJ, which he believes is vital to restoring faith in the judicial system.