Popular Party Challenges Amnesty Law as Judicial Year Opens in Spain
As the new judicial year begins, the Popular Party (PP) has taken significant action by registering its constitutional challenge against the controversial Amnesty Law. Cuca Gamarra, the General Secretary of the PP, indicated that this move is not just strategic but a moral obligation, given that the PP remains the only major state party in Spain's parliamentary landscape. Gamarra has consistently argued that the Amnesty Law is unconstitutional and morally questionable, suggesting that its primary aim is to provide immunity to specific political groups to enable Pedro Sánchez to remain in power as the President of the Government of Spain.
The PP's challenge comes at a critical time, with regional governments led by the PP also expected to pursue similar legal action against the Amnesty Law before the September 11 deadline. The regulation was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on June 11, which grants the party a three-month window to file their appeals.
In addition to their legal challenge, the Popular Party aims to remove three members from the Constitutional Court (TC) who they believe should not participate in the deliberations of the case. This includes the president of the TC, Cándido Conde-Pumpido, along with two members affiliated with Sánchez's government: former minister Juan Carlos Campo and Laura Díez, a past director general at Moncloa.
Minutes before this year’s judicial sessions commenced, King Felipe VI officially opened the judicial year 2024-2025 in the Plenary Hall of the Supreme Court (TS). This occasion marks the resumption of judicial activities with a newly appointed General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), an update that comes after a prolonged period of six years under an expired mandate due to the ongoing stalemate between the PP and the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).
This legal challenge by the Popular Party signifies a deeper political struggle in Spain, as the implications of the Amnesty Law continue to stir debate among political factions. The outcome of this challenge could have far-reaching effects on Spanish politics and governance, determining whether the contentious practice of granting amnesty can withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Related Sources: