Both sides also agreed to submit an organic bill that will “strengthen the independence of the judiciary.” They also agreed to appoint a new Constitutional Court judge, José María Macías Castaño, who has been highly critical of the amnesty law in recent months.
PP and PSOE have reached an agreement, in the presence of the Vice President of the European Commission Vera Jourovato continue with the “immediate” renewal of the General Council for the Judiciary (CGPJ), as recommended by the European Commission in its Report on the rule of law in Spain for 2022 and 2023as confirmed by socialist sources.
The Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, Felix Bolañosand the PP Deputy Secretary for Institutional Affairs, Esteban González Ponssigned this afternoon CGPJ Renewal Agreement before Jourová.
The signing ceremony of the agreement, which follows afterwards six months The negotiations with the European Commission as mediator at the request of the PP took place in the press room of the main building of the Community Administration in Brussels.
Both signed the agreement under the watchful eye of Jourová, with whom they posed at the end of the signing and with whom they subsequently appeared separately at press conferences.
Both parties have also agreed to a organic bill which “will strengthen the independence of the judiciary, as recommended by the European Commission in its rule of law report on Spain for 2022 and 2023.” They also agreed to a new magistrate of the Constitutional Court.
PSOE and PP have agreed to appoint the current member of the CGPJ José María Macías Castaño as a constitutional magistrate. PP sources have reported the appointment of Macías, who has been highly critical of the amnesty law in recent months, and who will fill the vacant position in the Guarantee Court.
Five and a half year expired mandate
Thus, socialists and the people reached an agreement to renew the CGPJ, which has become the longest-lasting period. It took five and a half years of expired mandate to agree on twenty names.
The current CGPJ was founded on December 4, 2013 and completed its mandate five years later. Since then, an agreement between socialists and popular parties on the composition of the next Council has been awaited.
The new General Council for the Judiciary will be one of its most urgent tasks The Supreme Court has listed 25 vacancies for magistrates (TS) – which translates into 30% of the workforce – and the 38 of the higher courts (TSJ) given the impossibility that the governing body of judges has been carrying since 2021 to make appointments while their mandate has expired.
Comments
Jourová celebrated the agreement reached between the PP and the PSOE under the mediation of the Community Executive. The agreement “addresses a long-standing problem and improves the situation of the judiciary in Spain”, he said, responding to recommendations that Brussels had repeatedly made on the situation of the rule of law in Spain.
Punch has emphasized that the agreement makes the Spanish legal system “more independent” and “away from politics and the influence of politicians.” “Today the Spanish judiciary is more independent than yesterday and begins the path of a life away from politics and the influence of politicians,” he said at a press conference.
The popular has said that “although it may seem like a lie, the good news still exists, and so does hope.” “Today is a good day for the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and our constitutional regime,” he stressed.
Bolaños has estimated that the CGPJ’s 20 new members and 12 alternates will be able to take office in July “with full legitimacy and with a mandate in front of them to carry out their mission.”
The Minister has emphasized that this renewal is being carried out in accordance with current legislation and that it involves a group of members with “indisputable experience, reputation and prestige”.
The Minister of Equality, Ana Redondowelcomed the agreement, described it as ‘good news’ and proclaimed that ‘it is about time’. “We have waited five years, we have been without the General Council for the Judiciary for five years with a PP that has not clearly adhered to the Constitution for more than five years,” he added.
The Minister-Spokesperson of the Spanish Government, Pilar Alegriaalso celebrated the agreement and assured that it is good news that “institutional normality” is returning after more than 2,000 days without a renewal essential for the proper functioning of the justice system.
“There were other times where there were approaches and opportunities that were cut at the last minute. Today it has been possible, it is a good message that we are sending to all citizens, that after so many days they can reach an agreement,” he concluded.
The leader of Podemos, Ione Belarrahas attacked the PSOE for agreeing with the PP on renewal and choosing a new government partner: “a new parliament of the grand coalition begins” between the two majority parties.
“This is not what people voted for,” Belarra emphasized via the social network
Source: EITB
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
