Spanish judiciary faces criticism over ideological imbalance and independence concerns

Spanish commentators are analysing what they describe as a “syndrome of aversion to judges”, a label likened to the U.S. “Trump Derangement Syndrome”, to highlight growing hostility toward the country's courts. Data show the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court is composed of four progressive magistrates and eleven conservatives, a balance that has persisted for decades, while only one‑quarter of judges belong to the progressive association JJpD and the rest are linked to conservative groups.

Opinion pieces stress that the independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of Spain’s constitutional democracy. They argue that political criticism of court decisions, especially when framed as attacks on judicial independence, can undermine public confidence and breach standards set by bodies such as the Venice Commission. The authors call for criticism to remain within legal discourse and for safeguards that keep the courts free from undue political pressure.