Overview

• On June 11, judges and prosecutors from the Supreme Court, National Court and regional tribunals paused work for ten minutes to protest two government bills on career access and a Public Prosecutor’s Office overhaul.
• Participants read a joint manifesto at major judicial sites as citizen crowds and right-wing figures rallied in support, framing the reforms as an assault on the judiciary’s role as a check on political power.
• Critics say the access bill would fast-track about 1,300 substitute judges and prosecutors into permanent roles without the standard merit-based exams, weakening principles of equality and capacity.
• Opponents warn the Prosecutor’s Office reform would broaden the government-appointed attorney general’s powers and erode guarantees of prosecutorial autonomy.
• Political pressure is growing as the PP-led Senate intensifies oversight, Madrid’s regional government formally demands suspension of the bills and the European Commission signals rule of law concerns.