Spain nominates new attorney general after predecessor's conviction for data leak

Spain's government has nominated veteran prosecutor Teresa Peramato as the next attorney general, after the previous incumbent was convicted of leaking confidential information about the partner of a leading opposition politician.

Peramato has more than 35 years of experience as a prosecutor, most recently serving as the chief criminal prosecutor at the Supreme Court. The 63-year-old is renowned as one of the nation's leading experts on combating violence against women.

Following a months-long investigation and trial, Spain's top court last week found the previous attorney general, Álvaro García Ortiz, guilty in a leak case.

He was suspended for two years for sharing private information about Alberto González Amador, when the businessman was under investigation for alleged tax fraud.

González Amador is the partner of Madrid’s influential regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso, one of Spain's main opposition leaders.

The court ordered that García Ortiz pay 7,200 euros in fines and 10,000 euros ($11,500) in damages to González Amador, as well as the court fees.

In the wake of the court ruling, García Ortiz announced his resignation as attorney general. He had denied any wrongdoing during the legal proceedings.

The trial gripped Spain, marking the first time in its modern history that a top prosecutor had faced a criminal trial.

The ruling dealt a huge blow to the coalition government of socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who appointed García Ortiz in 2022 and defended his innocence repeatedly.

It is one of several cases that have implicated people close to Sánchez.

Speaking on Tuesday, Justice Minister Félix Bolaños described Peramato as the "ideal person" to replace García Ortiz.

Peramato's nomination must still reviewed by the judges' ruling body, the CGPJ, and face a confirmation hearing in parliament before being formally appointed by King Felipe.

She would be the fourth person to fill the post since Sanchez took office in 2018.