Podemos is calling on the Spanish government to take action to renew the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), which has been operating with an expired mandate for over five years due to the opposition party’s blockage. The party, now with only four members in the Mixed Group, presented a Proposition of Law to modify the system of appointing CGPJ members in order to give more weight to the lower house of Parliament. This proposal seeks to lower the majority required for appointing new judges from the current 3/5 to a simple majority, as long as it is supported by at least half of the parliamentary groups. This would prevent a single or two major parties from forming a government and making decisions unilaterally. The reform also increases the influence of the lower house of Parliament over the Senate in the selection process of CGPJ members.
Podemos had previously made similar proposals during the previous legislature when it was in government with the PSOE, but they were not implemented due to concerns raised in Brussels and a lack of agreement with the socialists. The party’s latest initiative comes in response to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s calls for democratic regeneration in Spain. According to Podemos, it is time to take action and renew the CGPJ without the involvement of the PP. The reform proposed by Podemos also eliminates the Senate’s ability to appoint judges to the CGPJ, giving the lower house more influence over the selection process.
In addition to Podemos, the political party Sumar has also emphasized the importance of renewing the CGPJ. The party believes that negotiations with the PP are no longer effective, as there is explicit unwillingness on the part of the PP to renew the Council. Vice President Yolanda Díaz has expressed firm support for changing the CGPJ’s selection process and has called for reforms to democratize access to the judicial career and to repeal the controversial “gag law”. The group is currently working on its own proposal to change the system of appointing CGPJ members.
Overall, the focus is on the need for urgent action to renew the CGPJ to ensure the proper functioning of the judiciary in Spain. The proposals put forward by Podemos and Sumar aim to increase parliamentary influence in the selection process of judges and prevent potential abuses of power by a single party or coalition. The government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is being urged to act quickly and decisively to implement these reforms and ensure a fair and transparent process for appointing members to the General Council of the Judiciary. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of the judiciary in Spain and the balance of power between the different branches of government.
