Spanish judiciary highlights entrenched corruption in new book by judges Bosch and Jiménez

Magistrates Ximo Bosch and political scientist Fernando Jiménez released a new book, La corrupción en España. Un problema enquistado, analysing corruption as a symptom of deep institutional pathology in Spain’s democracy. They trace the phenomenon to the Franco era, noting that while controls have increased, political corruption remains among the highest in the EU. The authors call for structural reforms and stronger societal pressure to curb the misuse of public administration.

In related commentary, magistrate Joaquim Bosch emphasized that corruption is overwhelmingly a male‑dominated crime, arguing that greater gender parity in institutions correlates with lower corruption levels. Supreme Court Justice Manuel Marchena warned against labeling judges as a “judicial mafia,” saying such rhetoric erodes public trust and social cohesion.

Together, the statements underline a consensus that combating corruption will require legal reforms, independent judiciary action, and active citizen oversight.