The Spanish Judicial Power decided not to sanction Manuel Ruiz de Lara for referring to Begoña Gómez as 'Barbigoña', arguing that he acted as a private citizen rather than in his judicial role.
The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) in Spain has ruled not to sanction judge Manuel Ruiz de Lara for his controversial remarks on social media, where he referred to Begoña Gómez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as 'Barbigoña'. The decision, made on February 24, suggests that the judge's comments were in his capacity as a 'mere citizen' rather than as a representative of the judiciary, which has stirred significant debate among council members.
Progressive members of the CGPJ have expressed their disappointment with the ruling, stating that Ruiz de Lara should have faced a fine of 3,000 euros for his remarks. They argue that such statements, especially coming from a judicial figure, undermine the dignity and respect associated with the judicial office. This incident raises questions about the standards of conduct that judges should adhere to, both privately and publicly, especially in politically charged contexts.
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and political figures in Spain, as well as the scrutiny judges face regarding their public and private expressions. The ruling not to sanction Ruiz de Lara may indicate a leniency towards judges expressing personal opinions, but it also risks normalizing derogatory language in public discourse from those in positions of authority. The implications of this decision may influence future behavior and the expectations placed upon judges in Spain, particularly concerning their interactions on social media platforms.
