In a dramatic development that has rocked Spanish politics, the country's Supreme Court has delivered a guilty verdict against Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz for improperly leaking confidential legal information targeting the conservative opposition.
Court Delivers Landmark Ruling
Spain's highest judicial authority convicted Álvaro García Ortiz, the nation's top prosecutor appointed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in 2022, for disclosing sensitive details about a tax investigation involving Alberto González Amador. González Amador is the partner of Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a prominent conservative figure.
The court imposed significant penalties on García Ortiz, including removal from his position for two years, a fine of approximately €7,300, and an order to pay €10,000 in damages to González Amador for the unauthorized disclosure.
Political Firestorm Erupts
The scandal first emerged in 2024 when leaked documents suggested González Amador had considered a plea deal admitting to alleged tax offenses in exchange for avoiding trial and potential prison time. Ayuso and her Popular Party immediately accused García Ortiz of orchestrating the leak to damage her politically during crucial national political maneuvers.
Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo described the conviction as "unprecedented" and declared it would "always hang over Sánchez." Feijóo demanded the prime minister apologize for what he characterized as a politically motivated operation designed to undermine conservative opponents.
Government Response and Legal Defense
The Sánchez administration responded to the ruling with measured language, stating they "respect the ruling, but do not agree with it." Government officials confirmed they would soon begin the process to appoint a new attorney general following García Ortiz's removal.
During the trial, García Ortiz maintained his innocence, with his legal team arguing he was the target of a coordinated effort by the Madrid regional government to divert attention from González Amador's tax case and protect Ayuso from political consequences. Public prosecutors had sought his acquittal, citing lack of direct evidence proving he ordered the leak.
This conviction adds to growing legal challenges facing Sánchez's Socialist-led government, which has faced separate corruption investigations involving the prime minister's wife, his brother, and former Socialist Party officials. The Popular Party has repeatedly called for Sánchez to resign and call early elections, accusing his administration of widespread misconduct.
Sánchez has consistently dismissed corruption allegations as a politically motivated "smear campaign" orchestrated by right-wing opponents. The ruling represents a significant setback for the prime minister, who had staunchly defended García Ortiz throughout the controversy.
