State Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz Faces Pressure Amid Supreme Court Investigation
In a historic move, the Supreme Court has opened an investigation into State Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz for allegedly revealing confidential information related to the case against Alberto González Amador, the partner of Community of Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Despite the gravity of the situation, García Ortiz has decided not to resign, a decision that has garnered mixed reactions among prosecutorial leadership.
During a meeting, which lasted approximately two and a half hours, 31 prosecutors voiced their opinions on the matter. While the majority supported García Ortiz's decision to remain in office, eight prosecutors expressed their discontent, calling for his resignation. Among those advocating for his departure were notable figures such as Javier Zaragoza, Jaime Moreno, Fidel Cadena, and Consuelo Madrigal, as well as Supreme Court members Antonio Narvaez and José Miguel de la Rosa.
García Ortiz has publicly stated his reasons for staying in his position, claiming that it is in the best interest of the institution's stability both in the medium and long term. He asserted that the decision to issue a press release was made in response to unfounded rumors and maintained that neither he nor his team was responsible for leaking any emails.
In an interview, García Ortiz emphasized the advisory role of the board he convened to gather input on the situation, noting that he spoke for a significant portion of the meeting. While he maintains that he acted responsibly, the call for his resignation mirrors wider political pressures, with the government rallying behind him since the accusations surfaced.
As the situation unfolds, García Ortiz faces a new round of scrutiny with today's scheduled meeting with the fiscal council. This meeting is expected to be fraught with tension, as the majority of council members are anticipated to oppose his continuation in office due to the Supreme Court's recent decision.
The political landscape around García Ortiz remains charged, as opposition leaders call for both his resignation and that of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, further complicating the attorney general’s precarious position. Vice President María Jesús Montero defended García Ortiz, labeling the accusations against him as false and urging solidarity among coalition members.
This emerging crisis not only highlights the pressures within Spain's judicial system but also raises questions about the implications of political accountability and transparency in handling high-profile cases. As the investigation develops, the impact on García Ortiz's leadership and the public’s trust in the prosecution service will remain a key focus.
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