Conflict Erupts in Judiciary Council Over Power Imbalance

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within Spain's General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), nine progressive members have boldly accused President Isabel Perelló of executing a sudden and deliberate overhaul of the governance structure that disenfranchises them from the decision-making processes. This contentious move stems from a recent approval of the new composition of various committees that dictate the CGPJ's operations, wherein nine of the eleven committees are now dominated by conservative members. The conflict centers around the Permanent Committee, which is critical for the formulation of key judicial decisions. According to the latest configuration, this influential committee retains a solid conservative majority with four members—Eduardo Martínez Mediavilla, Isabel Revuelta, Carlos Orga, and Alejandro Abascal—alongside three from the progressive faction: Carlos Hugo Fernández, Bernardo Fernández, and Argelia Queralt. The committee will be chaired by Perelló, who carries the decisive vote in the event of a tie. Progressive members of the council had proposed an alternate committee structure that would have seen them hold a majority with four representatives, a proposal that was unexpectedly withdrawn without a vote. This unilateral adjustment leaves the conservatives with a strategic advantage, further entrenching their influence within the council. The new arrangement has raised alarms among the nine progressives, who argue that it is both arbitrary and skewed. They have pointed out that the representation granted to Carlos Hugo Preciado resembles that of a separate faction, undermining the principles of internal balance. Preciado, who previously was elected with the backing of Sumar, has secured his position on the Permanent Committee and holds roles on two other committees as well. The implications of Perelló's presidency could be substantial, particularly as she has already cast pivotal votes in favor of disciplinary actions against judges—an action that starkly contrasts the desires of her progressive counterparts. Furthermore, her neutrality on other critical issues, such as electoral system reform and guidance in the appointment processes for the Supreme Court's sensitive chambers, reinforces the concern among progressives regarding potential bias in the council's future decisions. As the situation develops, the progressive members are calling for greater accountability and a return to a more balanced representation within the CGPJ's framework. Their hopes hinge on compelling discussions around governance reforms that truly reflect a diverse judiciary, paving the way for more equitable representation of both conservative and progressive voices in Spain's judicial ecosystem. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2