The advance of 'Plus Ultra', the trials of 'Lezo' or the ruling of 'Kitchen' will mark the judicial course in an election year

The new judicial term has intensified pressure on Spain’s ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) with ongoing legal cases involving former leaders and prominent figures. The 2026–2027 judicial period begins much like its predecessor, focusing heavily on high-profile cases linked to the party. Among them is José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the former leader of the PSOE and former Prime Minister. Also under scrutiny are Begoña Gómez, wife of current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Santos Cerdán, the former secretary of organization within the PSOE. Additionally, Leire Díez, a former member of the party's central committee, faces charges related to corruption. Beyond the PSOE, attention will also center on key members of the previous conservative Popular Party (PP) government, including the interior ministry leadership under Mariano Rajoy, led by Jorge Fernández Díaz, who awaits the verdict in the Kitchen case. The Pujol family, whose wealth origins are being investigated by the National Court, and leaders of the independence movement, who await the application of the amnesty law following approval by the European Court of Justice, will also see developments. The judicial calendar includes several major cases that have drawn public and political interest. One of these is the trial related to the “Lezo” affair, which involves allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds. Another key point is the pending judgment in the Kitchen case, which concerns the handling of confidential information by officials during the Rajoy administration. The investigation into Zapatero continues, with prosecutors examining potential violations of the Organic Law on Public Administrations. These cases are part of broader efforts to hold individuals accountable for alleged misconduct, reflecting a trend of increased judicial oversight in Spanish politics. The involvement of high-ranking politicians in legal proceedings underscores the growing role of the judiciary in shaping political outcomes. For the PSOE, these cases represent both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate transparency and accountability. The party has faced criticism over past governance, and the legal actions against its members could influence public perception of its integrity. Meanwhile, the PP, which previously held power, is also under scrutiny, highlighting how legal processes can affect the balance of political influence. The legal landscape is further complicated by the ongoing investigations into the Pujol family, whose financial activities have raised questions about the legality of their assets. The National Court is expected to deliver a decision on whether their fortune was acquired through illicit means. This case has become emblematic of broader concerns about economic inequality and the need for greater transparency in wealth accumulation among political elites. Similarly, the leaders of the independence movement remain in limbo, awaiting the outcome of their appeal regarding the amnesty law, which could determine whether they face criminal charges or receive leniency. Public reaction to these developments has been mixed. Some citizens view the legal actions as necessary steps toward justice and accountability, while others argue that the courts are being used as a tool to target specific political groups. Legal experts note that the concentration of high-profile cases in one judicial term reflects a strategic effort to address long-standing controversies. However, critics warn that such focus could lead to politicization of the judiciary, undermining its impartiality. Looking ahead, the coming months will likely bring more rulings and decisions that could reshape the political landscape. The outcomes of these cases may influence future elections, policy directions, and the overall stability of Spain’s democratic institutions. As the judicial process unfolds, the interplay between law and politics will continue to be a defining feature of the nation’s recent history.