The Spanish Consejo General del Poder Judicial on 14 October 2026 does not issue joint statement in support of judge Beatriz Biedma has adopted. A draft submitted by one of the ten members associated with the conservative bloc was defeated by opposition from nine members appointed on the proposal of PSOE and Sumar The text was intended to express “proximity, solidarity and institutional support” for Biedma and to record “deep concern” about reports of alleged harassment and intimidation directed at the judge and those close to her.
The progressive side justified its rejection by citing the body’s duty of institutional restraint and neutrality while matters are the subject of ongoing investigations. The conservative camp accused its opponents of abandoning “the defence of judicial independence” as indications of pressure or surveillance of judges mounted. The Consejo General del Poder Judicial is the self-governing body of the Spanish judiciary; political statements on pending cases have traditionally been controversial there.
The background is an investigation into the so-called case of Leire Díez as well as reports of alleged actions intended to make it harder for the judge in charge to do her job. Beatriz Biedma conducted the case against David Sánchez, the prime minister’s brother. She recently appeared before the investigating judge Santiago Pedraz and said she had felt under pressure; however, this had not affected her decisions in the case. Responsibility or motives have yet to be established by the competent investigating authorities and the courts.
Several professional associations had previously called for restraint and institutional unity. The Asociación Judicial Francisco de Vitoria criticised the entrenched bloc divisions within the Consejo General del Poder Judicial and called for a visible, united defence of judicial independence. Others warned against political or media pre-judgement while the evidence remained unclear.
The episode highlights the continuing divisions within the judiciary’s top body. Renewal of the council has been politically blocked for years, further undermining its authority in dealing with fundamental issues. The failed statement has no immediate legal consequences; operational measures in pending proceedings remain the responsibility of investigating judges and the prosecution service. Whether the Consejo General del Poder Judicial will at a later date adopt a more broadly supported, general statement on safeguarding judicial independence remains an open question.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).