Former president Felipe González criticizes the amnesty and its impact on the Constitution
The former president of the Government Felipe González has once again expressed his disagreement with the amnesty granted to the Procés, a measure of grace that he has repeatedly criticized. González considers that this amnesty is an attack on the Constitution of ’78 and an incoherent surrender of the PSOE and the Government of Pedro Sánchez to the independence movement. During an event in Seville, where he received an honorary Alumni award at the local university, González reiterated his position and questioned the reaction of the prosecutors in charge of cases related to the Procés. Prosecutors have requested clarification on how to apply the amnesty and what criteria to follow, despite previously expressing skepticism. González was ironic about the situation and suggested that Puigdemont should be asked about the path to follow in the future, insinuating that it is the former president of the Generalitat and leader of Junts who sets the course for Sánchez.
The lack of renewal of the CGPJ and the political implications
Felipe González also spoke about the necessary renewal of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), a process that has been blocked for more than five years due to the lack of agreement between the political parties. The former socialist president pointed out that the solution is found in the letter of the Law and highlighted the importance of following established procedures. The PP has refused to accept a renewal that could put its majority in the CGPJ at risk, since recently there have been parliamentary majorities of the PSOE and its left-wing and nationalist partners who could appoint like-minded jurists. Faced with the ultimatum of the President of the Government to accelerate the renewal of the CGPJ, González responded that if they want to change the law, they should change it.
The Government’s position and the pressure for the renewal of the CGPJ
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has issued an ultimatum to the Popular Party to accelerate the renewal of the CGPJ. If an agreement is not reached, other ways will be sought to carry out the renewal, even through a change in law that does not require the votes of the PP. Vice President Yolanda Díaz has expressed her support for dispensing with the PP and advancing a democratic regeneration of the State structures. The PSOE, for its part, has been more moderate on this issue until now. The current political situation reflects the tension between the different parties and the importance of the renewal of the CGPJ to guarantee the independence of the judiciary.