Spain’s Chief Prosecutor Resigns After Supreme Court Leak Verdict

Spain’s chief prosecutor, Alvaro Garcia Ortiz, has resigned after the Supreme Court ruled last week that he was guilty of leaking confidential information relating to a tax fraud case involving the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a regional leader from the opposition Popular Party. The verdict marks a major setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s leftist coalition government, which appointed Garcia Ortiz in 2022 and has consistently defended him.

In a resignation letter addressed to Justice Minister Felix Bolaños and seen by Reuters, Garcia Ortiz said he was stepping down out of “profound respect” for the judicial system, even before the court’s sentence banning him from serving for two years formally takes effect. He insisted he had served his role with loyalty, a commitment to public service, and dedication to institutional integrity.

The government expressed disappointment over the ruling, with spokesperson Pilar Alegria stating that while they respect the decision, they disagree with it, citing concerns over the lack of consensus among judges and the unusual issuance of a verdict before full reasoning was published. Garcia Ortiz is expected to appeal to Spain’s Constitutional Court and may eventually take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

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