Spanish Government seeks Constitutional Court ruling on ‘Ley de Nietos’

The Spanish Government is attempting to expedite a legal challenge to the Constitutional Court regarding the suspension of the ‘Ley de Nietos’ (Grandchildren Law). This follows a provisional decision by the Supreme Court to halt the electoral effects of the measure, which allows certain descendants of Spaniards to claim nationality.

The legal dispute has significant electoral implications, as the suspension affects the CERA census (residents living abroad) and the potential voting rights of new nationals in upcoming general elections. The Executive branch aims to secure a ruling from the Constitutional Court, presided over by Cándido Conde-Pumpido, before the next elections.

This conflict has intensified tensions between the Executive and Judicial branches. Government ministers have criticized the impartiality of certain judges, with some officials suggesting that certain judicial rulings are politically motivated. Conversely, the government faces backlash for questioning judicial independence, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision to restrict the voting rights of descendants of exiles under the 2022 Democratic Memory Law.