Minister María Jesús Montero Apologizes for Controversial Comments on Court Ruling
María Jesús Montero, the First Vice President and Minister of Finance of Spain, issued an apology following her controversial remarks regarding the acquittal of Dani Alves by the Supreme Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC). At an event in Seville, she sought to clarify that her previous comments did not intend to undermine a cornerstone of the rule of law—the principle of presumption of innocence. 'In the literal meaning of the expression I used, it can be concluded that I questioned the presumption of innocence, a pillar of the rule of law. I withdraw it and apologize for it,' Montero stated during a press encounter.
While labeling her initial reaction as a misunderstanding, Montero emphasized that the ruling signifies a setback for women’s rights. 'Rulings are adhered to and are respected but that does not prevent one from having their own assessment of its content,' she explained. Montero expressed belief that significant steps had been made in advancing women’s rights in Spain, and she views this recent court ruling as a regression in those efforts.
She called for a social debate on how the judicial process can protect victims and prevent the revictimization of women who come forward to share their experiences. Montero described the acquittal as 'a shame,' stating that it raises concerns about the ongoing questioning of victims’ testimonies. She criticized the notion that presumption of innocence should overshadow the voices of women who bravely report abuses from powerful individuals.
Her comments sparked immediate backlash, especially from the opposition, some of whom called for her resignation. The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) responded with a unanimous statement reinforcing the idea that supporting victims does not require sacrificing the presumption of innocence, which remains a fundamental right. They stressed that political representatives must navigate their criticism and maintain public trust in judicial institutions.
Montero’s apology and subsequent statements underscore the delicate balance between advocating for victims' rights and upholding the principles that protect all individuals within the judicial system.
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