Spain's Supreme Court Upholds Interior Ministry Police Medals

The Supreme Court's First Section of the Contentious‑Administrative Chamber rejected two challenges filed by police unions against medals awarded by the Interior Ministry to senior retired officers. The medals, a silver award and a red‑ribbon award, grant a 25% lifelong increase to pensions and a 10% salary boost, respectively. Unions argue the decorations are an unfair perk for high‑ranking officials, lacking objective criteria and serving as a “payment for services” rather than a merit‑based honor. The Court found no procedural defects in the ministerial decrees, allowing the awards to stand. The ruling comes amid broader debates over a proposed new ministerial order that would base medals on seniority, mirroring the system used by the Guardia Civil.