Former justice minister confirmed as new Spanish attorney general

Socialist Dolores Delgado completes appointment as state's head prosecutor amid controversy over her suitability

Image of Dolores Delgado on her swearing-in as general prosecutor, on February 26, 2020 (by Pool EFE)
Image of Dolores Delgado on her swearing-in as general prosecutor, on February 26, 2020 (by Pool EFE) / ACN

ACN | Madrid

February 26, 2020 06:19 PM

Former Socialist justice minister, Dolores Delgado, formally took up the post of Spanish Attorney General on Wednesday, in a short ceremony before the Supreme Court.

It was the last step in confirming Delgado as the new head of the state prosecution ministry after receiving approval by Spain's General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ).

Delgado's suitability for the position has been an ongoing thorn of contention since Spanish president Pedro Sánchez nominated her for the post at the beginning of the year.

Detractors say that as a former Socialist justice minister, Delgado's appointment contravenes the principles of impartiality and separation of powers.

Yet, apart from receiving the blessing of the CGPJ, Delgado's nomination was also approved by the Justice Committee of Congress, and so she will now serve for up to four years.

The conservative PP party has been one of the biggest critics of Delgado's nomination, and they say they will now appeal her appointment in the Supreme Court.