Spain's Justice System Faces Public Distrust and 2029 Trial Backlogs

A recent poll by Instituto 40dB and Cadena SER found that 65% of Spaniards believe the judiciary is subject to "lawfare" and consider it too slow and insufficiently independent. The survey, conducted after high‑profile cases such as former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s indictment and the conviction of ex‑minister José Luis Ábalos, showed widespread scepticism that judges are influenced by political and economic powers.

In Granada, the local bar association warned that structural staff shortages are pushing trial dates as far as 2029. Judges are working "above the established limits" and the lack of judicial vacancies is eroding confidence in the system. The association called for immediate creation of new judicial posts and additional resources to restore the courts' ability to deliver timely decisions.

Both findings highlight a broader crisis of confidence in Spain’s judiciary, with citizens fearing delayed justice and potential political bias.