Setback for Spain's PM as Attorney General Convicted in Leak Case

In a ruling that sends shockwaves through the Spanish political landscape, the nation's attorney general, Álvaro García Ortiz, has been sentenced to a two-year suspension from his position after being found guilty of leaking sensitive information. The case revolves around a tax investigation involving Alberto González Amador, a businessman linked to Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a prominent figure in Spain's right-wing political sphere.

The Spanish Supreme Court delivered its verdict on Thursday, imposing not only a suspension but also a fine of €7,300 (£6,428) on García Ortiz, alongside a €10,000 payment in damages to González Amador. This conviction marks a historic moment, as García Ortiz is the first active attorney general in Spain to face trial. The implications of this verdict are particularly concerning for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who had previously defended García Ortiz’s innocence.

This ruling comes at a tumultuous time for Sánchez, whose administration is under scrutiny due to a series of corruption accusations involving his family and political allies. The prime minister’s credibility is further challenged as he grapples with the aftermath of this legal decision.

García Ortiz, who has held the position of attorney general since 2022, was accused of sharing confidential details about González Amador while the latter was being investigated for alleged tax fraud. Media reports from last year indicated that González Amador's legal team had sought a plea bargain with prosecutors, aiming to evade trial and potential imprisonment in exchange for admitting to tax misconduct.

González Amador is notably the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the regional president of Madrid and a staunch critic of Sánchez. In the wake of the leak, Ayuso claimed that the disclosure was a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation. Meanwhile, in court, González Amador expressed that García Ortiz had "completely destroyed me" with the leaked information.

Despite the conviction, García Ortiz maintained his innocence, asserting that he had not leaked any information. His defense team argued that there was "absolutely no evidence" linking him to the leak. Journalists who were summoned to testify in the case also denied receiving any information from the attorney general.

In light of the ruling, government sources acknowledged the verdict but expressed their disagreement with it. They conveyed gratitude for García Ortiz's contributions during his tenure. The process to select his successor is expected to begin in the coming days.

The case has reignited critical discussions about the politicization of Spain's judiciary, particularly as investigations into corruption allegations involving Sánchez’s close associates continue. The prime minister has consistently dismissed these allegations as politically motivated attacks. However, in June, he was compelled to order the resignation of Santos Cerdán, his right-hand man, after a Supreme Court judge uncovered "firm evidence" pointing to possible involvement in kickbacks associated with public construction contracts.

The ongoing corruption inquiries are particularly damaging for Sánchez, especially given his promise to combat corruption upon taking office. His administration now faces increased scrutiny, as the investigations touch on high-profile figures, including former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and one of his aides.

The fallout from García Ortiz's conviction presents a significant challenge to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his administration. As they navigate the implications of this verdict, the ongoing scrutiny surrounding alleged corruption within the government highlights the precarious position of the current leadership. With the political landscape shifting and trust in the judiciary being questioned, the coming months will be pivotal for Sánchez and his efforts to maintain stability within his government.