Overview

• The government posthumously granted Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba the Grand Cross, citing his leadership in defeating ETA, strengthening road safety and combating gender violence
• Four former state secretaries of security received the Gold Cross and six officers slain by ETA were honoured with the Silver Medal during the June 19 ceremony at Madrid’s Royal Collections Gallery
• The Spanish Police Confederation denounced the awards as an intolerable offence to fallen officers, arguing the decision equates their sacrifice with the careers of politicians
• The CEP has demanded that Minister Grande-Marlaska retract the decision and step down to uphold respect for those who died combating terrorism
• Created by royal decree in February 2025, the Order of Merit for Security was designed to recognise exceptional contributions to public security and counterterrorism