Spain's Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz, has been forced to step down after being found guilty of revealing confidential information in a deeply controversial case, which accentuated the country's political division.
The Supreme Court found that García Ortiz had unlawfully revealed details of the tax status of businessman Alberto González Amador, boyfriend of a senior conservative politician.
The court handed him a two-year ban from the post and a fine of €7,200 (£6,438). He must also pay €10,000 to Mr. González Amador as compensation.
The trial of García Ortiz fueled already acrimonious relations between the left-wing government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and right-wing opposition.
The contrasting positions were underscored by reactions to the conviction. Sánchez must apologise to Spaniards, resign and call elections, in that order, stated Ester Muñoz, spokeswoman for the conservative People's Party.
The government did not agree with the ruling but respected it and will proceed with the appointment of a new attorney general.
Yet, several left-wing politicians expressed outrage, viewing the conviction as politically motivated. Health Minister Mónica García of the Sumar party deemed it a lethal blow to presumption of innocence.
The controversy traces back to March 2024, when the attorney general's office issued a press release stating González Amador sought a plea bargain for tax evasion over €350,951. The subsequent fallout led to accusations against García Ortiz of unfairly leaking details.
García Ortiz can appeal the conviction which comes at a challenging time for Prime Minister Sánchez, also facing legal scrutiny regarding family members' dealings.
