Spain judiciary faces political tension and rising crime rates

judicial independence Spanish judiciary institutional tension Prosecutor General's report Supreme Court

The opening of the 2026-2027 judicial year in Spain has been marked by intense institutional tension between the government and the judiciary. Isabel Perelló, President of the Supreme Court and the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), warned that the public disqualification of judges must not become a tool for political pressure, stating that accusing judges of acting for political reasons is of 'extraordinary gravity' and could constitute criminal behavior.

In contrast, Transport Minister Óscar Puente defended the government's right to question judicial actions, suggesting that some judges are 'politicking' and attempting to govern from behind. This friction is further evidenced by the Supreme Court's decision to suspend the electoral registration of citizens under the 'law of grandchildren' (Ley de Nietos), a move the government has criticized as lacking impartiality.

The Prosecutor General's annual report also highlighted several alarming criminal trends. Sexual offenses committed by minors rose by 35.8% in 2025, and gender violence cases among minors increased by 15.2%. Additionally, the report noted a 57.9% increase in human trafficking victims, driven by digital recruitment and labor exploitation. The Prosecutor General also warned that structural delays in the courts are eroding the effectiveness of criminal responses in major corruption cases and workplace accident investigations.

Entities

Consejo General del Poder Judicial · Felipe VI · Félix Bolaños · Isabel Perelló · José Gerez · Ministerio Fiscal · Ministerio Público Fiscal · Neuquén Police · Neuquén Province · Oscar Puente · Public Prosecutor's Office · Rolando Figueroa

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Sexual offenses committed by minors increased by 35.8% in 2025 compared to 2024. www.noticiasdenavarra.com · www.elmundo.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The number of human trafficking victims increased by 57.9% in 2025.
[● 5 SOURCES] Accusing judges of acting for political reasons can constitute criminal behavior. elburgado.com · www.granadahoy.com · www.infolibre.es · www.expansion.com · www.todoalicante.es
[● 2 SOURCES] The Transport Minister claimed some judges are politicking and attempting to govern the country from behind. www.todoalicante.es · salamancartvaldia.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Attorney General supports a government bill that would allow prosecutors to direct criminal investigations. theobjective.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Court delays are eroding the effectiveness of criminal responses in corruption and workplace accident cases. okdiario.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Public disqualification of judges should not be used as a tool to pressure the judiciary. elburgado.com · www.todoalicante.es · www.elperiodico.digital · www.expansion.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Supreme Court suspended the electoral registration linked to the 'law of grandchildren' (Ley de Nietos). www.cope.es · www.elindependiente.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Gender violence cases among minors increased by 15.2% in 2025. www.que.es