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EPA

Spain's Attorney General, the country's chief legal officer, has been forced to resign after being convicted of revealing confidential information in a highly contentious case that has intensified political divisions within the country.

Judicial Decision and Sanctions

The Supreme Court found that the attorney general had unlawfully revealed information about the tax situation of businessman Alberto González Amador, who is the boyfriend of a senior conservative politician.

The court imposed a two-year ban from his position and a penalty of €7,200. Additionally, he must compensate ten thousand euros to the businessman as compensation.

Political Consequences

The trial of the attorney general intensified the already acrimonious relationship between the left-wing government of the nation's leader and the conservative political forces.

Contrasting positions were highlighted by reactions to the conviction.

"The prime minister must apologise to the Spanish people, resign and schedule new elections, in that sequence," said a spokesperson for the main opposition party.

The administration stated it did not agree with the decision but respected it and would move forward with the appointment of a replacement prosecutor.

Judicial Dispute

Nevertheless, numerous politicians on the left expressed anger at what they viewed as a politically motivated ruling.

Health Minister Mónica García, of the progressive coalition, stated the conviction dealt a "lethal blow to presumption of innocence" and threw ordinary Spaniards under the bus when it came to the legal system.

Case Background

The complicated legal matter originated in March 2024, when the attorney general's office issued a press release indicating that the businessman had requested a plea bargain after being found to have evaded tax obligations worth over 350,000 euros.

The document rectified inaccurate media coverage stating that the prosecutor's department had initiated the settlement.

The origin of the incorrect reports was the head of communications of the regional leader of the capital region.

Legal Proceedings

Mr González Amador filed a complaint against the attorney general, alleging his confidentiality was violated. The legal action against García Ortiz also saw him accused of leaking information about the affair to the press.

Prosecutors pointed to the attorney general's decision to replace his mobile device as incriminating.

Yet, there was no conclusive proof linking the attorney general to the disclosure and multiple reporters testified during the proceedings that he had not provided information of their information.

Regarding the press statement, the attorney general stated he was simply correcting the erroneous reports.

García Ortiz can challenge the decision.

Broader Political Context

This represents a significant setback for the national leader, who has been under judicial pressure on multiple issues.

• His brother is scheduled for court proceedings for influence peddling
• His wife is under investigation for her commercial dealings
• Former party officials in the governing political organization are accused of managing a large-scale corruption operation