Guardia Civil chief Mercedes González and deputy Manuel Llamas indicted over Leire Díez scandal

Judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audiencia Nacional has formally indicted the director general of the Guardia Civil, Mercedes González, and the deputy director‑operational, Manuel Llamas, on charges of prevarication and obstruction of justice. The indictment relates to the so‑called “Leire Díez case”, in which the former socialist activist – dubbed the “fontanera” of the PSOE – is alleged to have sought to influence investigations of the UCO that affected the government and the party.

The investigation has summoned additional witnesses, including former senior prosecutors Diego Villafañe and Beatriz López Pesquera, to testify about meetings with lawyer Jacobo Teijelo. The government has responded by urging respect for the judicial process; Vice‑President Yolanda Díaz said the courts must “work to clarify responsibilities” and stressed that “corruption has no name, it concerns criminal acts”. The opposition People's Party has called the indictment “extremely serious” and demanded the resignations of González and Interior Minister Fernando Grande‑Marlaska.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration has reaffirmed confidence in González, noting her previous Senate testimony in which she denied any wrongdoing, and has indicated she will provide “pertinent explanations” before the courts. The case continues to draw intense political scrutiny as both the judiciary and the executive navigate the fallout.