The assignment to Vox of the assessment of victims of gender violence opens Juanma Moreno her first front after the government pact

Juanma Moreno has faced his first major political challenge since taking office as president of the Junta de Andalucía, following a controversial decision to transfer responsibility for evaluating victims of gender-based violence to the far-right party Vox. The move, part of a broader coalition agreement with Vox, has sparked immediate backlash from opposition parties, including the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and Adelante Andalucía. The decision was announced in a decree published in the Official Gazette of the Regional Government on August 4, 2026, which assigned these responsibilities to Manuel Gavira, the leader of Vox in Andalucía and now second vice-president of the regional government. The decree outlines that Gavira will oversee a wide range of justice-related functions, including the evaluation of victims of gender-based violence. These units, known as Unidades de Valoración Integral Forenses, were established under Spain’s comprehensive law against gender violence in 2004. They operate through teams of forensic doctors, psychologists, and social workers based in provincial medical legal institutes, all reporting to the Ministry of Justice. Their reports play a crucial role in helping judges make decisions regarding protection orders, child custody, and other critical aspects of cases involving domestic abuse. Under the previous administration, these units remained within the Ministry of Justice, led by José Antonio Nieto, a member of the People's Party (PP). While there were no specific criticisms of this arrangement at the time, the current shift has raised concerns among critics who argue that placing such sensitive tasks under a far-right party could compromise impartiality and safety for victims. This decision follows a broader political strategy by Moreno, who secured his position as head of government through a coalition deal with Vox. In exchange for support in the regional parliament, he agreed to grant Vox significant influence over key areas of governance. This includes not only the evaluation of gender-based violence victims but also oversight of tourism, local administration, and other justice-related matters. The new structure gives Gavira considerable power, effectively making him one of the most influential figures in the regional government. The controversy has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups. Ángel Férrez, deputy spokesperson for the PSOE, called the decision “intolerable” and “indecent,” arguing that it shows disrespect toward women who have been murdered or are in danger. He urged Moreno to reconsider the move, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals. Similar concerns have been expressed by members of Adelante Andalucía and Por Andalucía, both left-wing parties that oppose the coalition with Vox. In 2019, when Vox first entered the Andalusian Parliament, its parliamentary group had already questioned the effectiveness and impartiality of the victim evaluation units. At that time, they demanded access to data on staff working in these units, though their request was rejected. Now, with Vox holding a prominent position in the government, the situation has changed dramatically. Not only does the party now have access to sensitive information, but it also controls the management of these vital services, raising fears of potential bias or politicization. The implications of this decision extend beyond politics into the realm of public safety. Critics warn that assigning such responsibilities to a party with a history of opposing progressive policies could undermine efforts to protect victims of gender-based violence. The debate is likely to intensify as more voices join the call for transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, Moreno faces mounting pressure to address these concerns while maintaining the fragile coalition that allowed him to take office.