In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves through Spain's political establishment, the Supreme Court on Thursday, November 20, 2025, convicted Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz of revealing confidential information. The historic ruling, the first of its kind against a serving attorney general in Spain's democratic history, has forced his removal from office and intensified the acrimonious divide between the country's left-wing government and right-wing opposition.

The court found García Ortiz guilty of unlawfully disclosing details related to a tax fraud investigation into businessman Alberto González Amador. González Amador is the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the prominent conservative president of the Madrid region and a staunch critic of the socialist government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The conviction stems from the leak of an email in which González Amador's lawyer proposed a plea deal, admitting to tax offences.

The sentence includes a two-year ban from holding public office, a fine of approximately €7,200, and an order to pay €10,000 in damages to González Amador. The verdict was delivered by a majority of five to two judges in the seven-member panel.

Political Fallout and Accusations

The conviction is a significant blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who had appointed García Ortiz in 2022 and publicly defended his innocence throughout the investigation and trial. The government stated it respects the court's decision but does not agree with it, announcing that the process to appoint a successor would begin shortly.

Opposition parties have seized on the verdict, demanding accountability from the highest levels of government. The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party have called for Prime Minister Sánchez to apologize, resign, and call for new elections. They frame the conviction as evidence of the government's misuse of state institutions for political ends.

Conversely, supporters of the government and figures on the left have condemned the ruling as politically motivated, part of a broader campaign of "lawfare" waged by right-wing elements within the judiciary to undermine the socialist administration. García Ortiz's defence team had argued he was the victim of a campaign to distract from González Amador's own legal troubles. During the trial, García Ortiz denied leaking any information, a position supported by journalists who testified they did not receive the information from him.

Implications for Governance and Rule of Law

This case transcends Spanish politics, offering a stark illustration of the intense pressures on judicial and prosecutorial independence in a polarized political environment. For nations like Kenya, which are continually working to strengthen their own democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law, the events in Spain serve as a critical case study.

The conviction of a nation's chief prosecutor highlights the essential role of accountability for all public officials, regardless of rank. It underscores the principle that no one is above the law. However, the deep political schism surrounding the case also demonstrates the danger of judicial processes becoming entangled in partisan battles, potentially eroding public trust in the legal system.

The ongoing tax fraud case against González Amador, who is accused of defrauding Spain's tax office of approximately €350,000, continues separately. The conviction of the Attorney General for leaking information related to this case has now irrevocably linked the two legal battles in the public consciousness, further fueling the political firestorm. As Spain navigates the fallout, observers in Kenya and across the globe will be watching closely for lessons on maintaining the delicate balance between political accountability and judicial integrity.