Spain's Guardia Civil chief Mercedes González criticised after meetings with minister

Mercedes González Fernández, the director general of Spain’s Guardia Civil, has drawn criticism after meeting with Interior Minister Leire Díez. Opposition parties and members of the Senate questioned her suitability for the role and called for her removal, noting that the meetings – described by some as informal coffee gatherings – raised concerns about political influence over the police force.

The controversy has heightened scrutiny of González’s tenure, with calls for greater transparency and accountability within the security services. The issue was raised in a Senate hearing where González defended her actions, while critics argued that her position requires stricter separation from political figures.