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EPA

The nation's top prosecutor, the country's chief legal officer, has been compelled to resign after being found guilty of revealing classified details in a deeply controversial case that has intensified political rifts within the country.

Court Ruling and Penalties

The Supreme Court determined that the attorney general had illegally disclosed details about the tax situation of businessman a prominent business figure, who is the boyfriend of a leading opposition figure.

The judicial body handed down a two-year ban from his post and a fine of €7,200. Furthermore, he must pay ten thousand euros to the businessman as restitution.

Political Fallout

The trial of García Ortiz fueled the previously strained relationship between the progressive administration of the nation's leader and the right-wing opposition.

Divergent viewpoints were highlighted by reactions to the conviction.

"Sánchez must apologise to Spaniards, resign and schedule new elections, in that order," said a spokesperson for the conservative People's Party.

The administration stated it disagreed with the decision but acknowledged it and would move forward with the selection of a replacement prosecutor.

Judicial Dispute

However, numerous progressive lawmakers expressed anger at what they perceived as a decision influenced by politics.

Health Minister Mónica García, of the progressive coalition, stated the conviction dealt a "devastating impact to the principle of innocent until proven guilty" and threw ordinary Spaniards under the bus when it came to the rule of law.

Origins of the Matter

The complicated legal matter originated in spring of 2024, when the prosecutor's department issued a press release indicating that Mr González Amador had sought a negotiated settlement after being discovered avoiding tax obligations worth €350,951.

The statement corrected mistaken press reports stating that the prosecutor's department had initiated the settlement.

The origin of the false information was the head of communications of the conservative regional president of the capital region.

Court Case Details

The businessman filed a complaint against the chief prosecutor, claiming his privacy had been breached. The legal action against the attorney general also saw him accused of leaking information about the affair to the press.

Legal authorities highlighted the attorney general's decision to change his phone as incriminating.

However, there was no direct evidence linking García Ortiz to the leak and several journalists testified during the trial that he had not provided information of their reporting.

Concerning the press statement, the attorney general stated he was merely rectifying the inaccurate information.

García Ortiz can challenge the ruling.

Wider Political Implications

This represents a severe blow for the national leader, who has been under judicial pressure on various fronts.

• His brother is scheduled for court proceedings for influence peddling
• The prime minister's spouse is under investigation for her business activities
• Former party officials in the Socialist Party are accused of overseeing a large-scale corruption operation