Feijóo Under Pressure: The PP's Strategic Maneuvers Against the Constitutional Court

In a tumultuous period for Spanish politics, the leader of the People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, finds himself at the forefront of a contentious battle against the Constitutional Court. This standoff is part of a broader strategy by the PP to challenge what they perceive as a progressive tilt in the judiciary, particularly in the context of the amnesty law and other key judicial decisions.

The Amnesty Law and the Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court, now with a progressive majority for the first time since 2013, is set to rule on the amnesty law in the coming months. This prospect has prompted the PP to launch a vigorous campaign to discredit the court. Feijóo has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the Constitutional Court as "a political court at the service of the government" and suggesting that its judges could be guilty of prevarication[2].

The PP's concerns are heightened by the presence of judges with past affiliations to the current government. For instance, Juan Carlos Campo, a former government minister, has voluntarily recused himself from decisions related to the amnesty law due to his previous stance on its constitutionality. However, José María Macías, a conservative judge and former member of the PP, was forced to step aside after refusing to abstain, further fueling the PP's accusations of bias[2].

Public and Political Backlash

The PP's offensive against the Constitutional Court has not been limited to verbal critiques. The party has taken the unprecedented step of appealing to the European Court of Human Rights, alleging that the Constitutional Court's decisions have violated their right to a fair and equitable procedure. This move is part of a larger narrative by the PP that the current government, led by Pedro Sánchez, is attempting to control all state institutions to maintain power[2].

Feijóo's rhetoric has been supported by other high-ranking members of the PP, including Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid. Ayuso has accused the Constitutional Court of expelling dissenting members to ensure compliance with the government's agenda. The Madrid government has been particularly vocal in its criticism, describing the president of the Constitutional Court, Cándido Conde-Pumpido, as "minister 24 of the Sánchez government"[2].

Judicial and Institutional Tensions

The tension between the PP and the Constitutional Court is part of a broader climate of unease within the judiciary. Sources from the Constitutional Court indicate a significant level of discomfort among judges and staff due to the intense political pressure. However, they remain confident in the court's ability to annul any resolutions that undermine its jurisdiction, should the Supreme Court hypothetically open investigations for prevarication against its members[2].

In the coming weeks, the PP is expected to intensify its campaign, with key figures facing scrutiny. The Attorney General of the State, Álvaro García Ortiz, is set to appear before the Senate Justice Committee on allegations of revealing secrets, and former Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos will testify in the Supreme Court regarding the Koldo case. These developments are likely to further escalate the political and judicial tensions in Spain[2].

Implications for Expats and the Broader Community

For expats living in Spain, this political and judicial turmoil can create uncertainty about the stability and impartiality of the country's institutions. The ongoing battle between the PP and the Constitutional Court highlights deep divisions within Spanish politics and the judiciary, which could have long-term implications for the rule of law and democratic processes in the country.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for expats and the broader community to stay informed about the developments and their potential impact on the social and political landscape of Spain.