Spain’s chief prosecutor resigns after leak verdict

Monday 24 November 2025 - 14:30

By: Sahili Aya

Spain’s chief prosecutor resigns after leak verdict

Spain’s Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, announced his resignation on Monday, days after the Supreme Court found him guilty of improperly disclosing confidential information connected to a case involving the partner of a prominent opposition figure.

The ruling represents an unusual and politically sensitive development, dealing a setback to the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who appointed García Ortiz in 2022 and has consistently defended his conduct.

In a letter addressed to Justice Minister Félix Bolaños and reviewed by the media, García Ortiz explained that he chose to leave his post before the court’s two-year disqualification order takes effect, describing his decision as an act of “deep respect” for judicial institutions. He added that he believed he had served the Public Prosecutor’s Office with integrity, dedication to public service, and unwavering institutional loyalty.

Although his resignation had been widely anticipated, the Supreme Court has not yet released the detailed reasoning behind its verdict. García Ortiz still has the option to appeal before the Constitutional Court, and later, if necessary, before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría told public broadcaster TVE that the cabinet respects the court’s decision but disagrees with it. She highlighted concerns about the lack of unanimity among the judges and the unusual step of announcing a verdict before issuing the full written ruling, noting that these factors had caused “astonishment” among many citizens.