Bolaños Advocates for Regulation of Popular Accusation to Curb Extremist Influence

Félix Bolaños, the Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Courts, has expressed support for a proposed reform by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) aimed at regulating the concept of popular accusation in legal proceedings. During a press event marking the commencement of the selective course for the 63rd promotion to the judicial career, Bolaños characterized the current state of popular accusation as a "circus of extremists seeking publicity."

The PSOE's initiative seeks to restrict the role of popular accusation to the trial phase and the initial filing of complaints, rather than allowing participation during the investigation stage. The intention behind this reform is to eliminate what the party describes as the "constant leaks of information from judicial proceedings" by politically motivated accusers, as well as to prevent the unnecessary prolongation and politicization of judicial processes, according to sources from the PSOE.

This proposal has faced backlash not only from government coalition partners but also from opposition parties and various judicial associations, indicating a significant divide in opinions regarding the reform.

In addition, Bolaños addressed ongoing investigations involving Álvaro García Ortiz, the Attorney General of Spain, emphasizing that there is "no evidence or proof" supporting claims made in a Supreme Court order that cites him as a suspect in a case concerning the leak of a confidential email from businessman Alberto González Amador, who is linked to Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Bolaños expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would validate the Attorney General's adherence to his duties in addressing crimes and providing truthful information.

Furthermore, he described the relationship between the Popular Party (PP) and Junts as "absolute schizophrenia," noting the stark contrast in their rhetoric--from labeling Junts as "terrorists and criminals" to now seeking their support for Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Bolaños remarked that this evolving dynamic is entertaining and suggested that it would be prudent to inquire what agreements the PP may have made with Junts in pursuit of Feijóo's potential investiture following a possible motion of censure.