The governing body of the Spanish Supreme Court has officially expressed its concerns regarding the proposed reforms put forth by Justice Minister Félix Bolaños.

The reforms touch on critical aspects, including the system of entry into the judiciary and the regularization of hundreds of substitute judges.

The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) has delivered a particularly critical report on these initiatives.

As the judicial and prosecutorial associations prepare for a nationwide strike scheduled for midday tomorrow, the Supreme Court's governing body issued a statement emphasizing the extent of unease these reforms have generated.

It stated that the Supreme Court cannot remain indifferent to the widespread apprehension over changes that affect the conditions under which judicial power is exercised.

The governing body reiterated the position of Isabel Perelló, President of the Supreme Court, who previously defended the current model of access to the judicial career during a promotional event for new judges on January 23, attended by the head of state and Minister Bolaños.

Perelló asserted that the existing model ensures objectivity and transparency in assessing professional suitability for judicial functions.

The Supreme Court articulated that access to the judiciary does not necessitate special reforms but instead requires supportive measures, such as scholarships, to assist candidates in preparing for the selection process.

Furthermore, it indicated that while aligning the judicial landscape with the European average is necessary, this process must not compromise the rigorous selection criteria already established.

The Supreme Court highlighted the need for selection processes based solely on merit and capacity under conditions of equality, as guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution.

Moreover, the statement referenced ongoing debates surrounding the implementation of the Justice Public Service Efficiency Law and the proposed reform of the Organic Law of the Judiciary.

These reforms have sparked considerable discussion on vital issues, while simultaneously revealing a lack of attention to other significant matters that the governing body has repeatedly highlighted as needing resolution.

The Supreme Court has awaited for years the regulation of its Technical Cabinet and improved compensation for its lawyers, as well as a correction to the inadequate valuation of job positions held by officials serving the Justice Administration.

Additionally, there is a demand for effective measures to address serious deficiencies affecting the court's operations, including basic maintenance of its premises and the provision of advanced technological resources.

The governing body noted that these issues, which have been articulated numerous times, seem to have been overlooked in the current reform context, where the proposed creation of a common processing service would offer lower-paid positions compared to those in courts, tribunals, and superior courts of justice.

In light of these concerns, the governing body unanimously resolved to forward their statement to the General Council of the Judiciary for transmission to the government and the parliamentary chambers.