García Ortiz justifies his attendance at the kickoff of the judicial year, stating, "I'm here because I stand for Justice."
Attorney General García Ortiz Defends Independence of Public Prosecution Amid Tense Judicial Year Opening
Spain's Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz has defended the independence of the Public Prosecution, stating it is the best safeguard for citizenship and the rule of law. This assertion came amidst a tense judicial year opening in 2025, which was marked by controversy and political tensions.
García Ortiz's attendance at the event, despite being under investigation, was defended by sources from the Prosecutor's Office as demonstrating the "strength of institutions." The Attorney General acknowledged his "unique circumstances" due to his "procedural situation," but participated in the event because it is required by law.
In his speech, García Ortiz called for the approval of a new Criminal Procedure Law that assigns the direction of the investigation to the Public Prosecution. He also presented the Annual Report of the Public Prosecution relative to 2024, highlighting the broad activity deployed in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
The Attorney General praised initiatives and legislative projects to strengthen and modernize Spanish justice, such as the reform of the fiscal career. However, he asked not to reduce the problem of forest fires to "the hunt for the man, to the penal repression" and also asked to avoid the risk of criminalization of the rural world and of certain collectives.
García Ortiz stated that he believes in Justice, the Rule of Law, the independence of the Judicial Power, and the principles of legality and impartiality. He also emphasized his independence, appreciating the expressions of support from the government but making it clear that he remains independent.
The president of the General Council of the Judiciary, Isabel Perelló, also defended judicial independence. Meanwhile, García Ortiz's counterpart, Perelló, rejected the "permanent" questioning of judges and attributing "political biases" to them.
According to the latest data, 23.6% of forest fires investigated between 2020-2024 were due to intentional causes, while 65.59% were due to negligence. García Ortiz emphasized that it corresponds to criminal law "the prosecution of those who, neglecting the most elementary norms of care or intentionally, have caused some of these fires."
Notably, the event was attended by the judiciary's top brass and high-ranking state authorities, with the Senate president, 'popular' Pedro Rollán, absent for "personal reasons." Meanwhile, opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo was criticized for his absence at the opening of the judicial year and accused of abandoning Spain; he supported the opening of the PP political course in Madrid instead, rejecting the presence of the deputy attorney general.
The Prosecutor's Office is said to withstand attacks from hidden powers, a testament to its resilience and commitment to upholding the rule of law. Despite the challenges, García Ortiz asked for maximum respect for the Public Prosecution and the work of all prosecutors, reiterating his commitment to justice and the independence of the Judiciary.
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