Polls show majority of Spaniards doubt judicial impartiality amid lawfare debate

Nearly 60% of Spaniards believe there are judges acting politically, and only 40% consider them impartial, according to recent polls that have ignited a fierce debate over the alleged use of lawfare in Spain. The surveys, published by El País and La Vanguardia on July 6, 2026, reveal a deep erosion of trust in the judiciary at a time when several high-profile cases involve the prime minister's family and former officials.

What the polls say

• El País/40dB: 65.4% believe lawfare exists; only 32% trust that judicial resolutions on political matters are impartial.Source: El País/40dB via El Español
• La Vanguardia/Ipsos: 60% say judges make political decisions; 43% think most judges are not impartial.Source: La Vanguardia
• OECD survey: Spanish trust in courts (49.6%) is higher than in central government (42.7%), but far below the army (66.1%) and police (62%).Source: El Confidencial

The reaction

Government officials have seized on the findings. Minister Óscar López urged judges to worry about their public image, while Justice Minister Félix Bolaños proposed reforming the popular prosecution to curb its use by "ultra" groups.Source: ABC.es Defence Minister Margarita Robles called for judicial self-criticism but warned against "generic shadows of doubt" about the justice system.Source: Infobae

Disagreements

Conservative commentators argue the polls are driven by government-friendly media and loaded questions. El Mundo's column says the surveys are "prescriptive" rather than descriptive, creating the very perception they measure. Conversely, left-leaning outlets portray the data as a genuine reflection of public concern over judicial independence. Pedro Ruiz noted that despite distrust, citizens still trust judges more than politicians.