Rafael Pérez, the Secretary of State for Security in Spain, is set to leave his position for personal reasons, according to sources within the government.

Pérez has been a close advisor to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska since the latter took office in June 2018, following the vote of no confidence that brought the current administration to power.

Initially serving as Marlaska's chief of staff, Pérez became Secretary of State in early 2020, responsible for overseeing both the Guardia Civil and the national police forces.

This resignation occurs during a politically sensitive period for the Interior Ministry, which is currently under scrutiny from opposition parties regarding the activities of the UCO (Central Operational Unit).

This unit, which operates under the jurisdiction of both Pérez and Marlaska, is facing multiple controversies that have intensified calls for accountability.

The controversies include the recent leak of WhatsApp messages from the President, which some government and Socialist Party elements have attributed to the UCO, citing that they were in the unit's custody.

Additionally, there have been reports about an unfinished investigation that could implicate Socialist leaders, as well as a video showing an attempt by a businessperson and some legal representatives to gather potentially damaging information about Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas, who heads the UCO’s economic crime and corruption department.

Government sources maintain that Pérez's departure is unrelated to these issues and stems from personal reasons.

However, the timing of his resignation raises questions about its implications in a tumultuous political landscape.

Pérez had previously considered resigning but was persuaded by Marlaska to remain in his role.

The timing is further complicated by Pérez's involvement in a controversial decision to procure ammunition from an Israeli company, which led to significant backlash and required Marlaska to retract the purchase following a presidential disapproval.

In a recent cabinet meeting, Minister Marlaska defended the UCO's actions, stating, "I cannot investigate any of these matters; it is the judiciary that must act.

I hold the UCO in high regard and trust in their professionalism.

They operate under the directives of judicial authorities, unlike during the previous administration." This remark references accusations regarding the 'patriotic police' practices of the Partido Popular (PP).

Pérez, who is a judge by profession, had previously worked in various judicial positions before joining the Interior Ministry.

Following the announcement of his resignation, the Interior Ministry released a statement outlining his contributions over his five and a half years in office.

Key achievements noted include the historic increase in manpower for both the National Police and the Guardia Civil, and significant funding allocation for state security infrastructure initiatives, amounting to €1 billion.

Additional initiatives highlighted by the Ministry involve the renewal of the Special Security Plan for the Campo de Gibraltar, the implementation of a comprehensive digital platform aimed at combating gender-based violence (VioGén 2), and the introduction of the Protocol 2025, which updates security measures instituted since 2018.