PP uses Senate majority to stall renewal of Constitutional Court judges

The People's Party claims that judges like Cándido Conde-Pumpido endanger democratic checks and balances, and it has used its absolute majority in the Senate to keep them in office beyond their original terms. While the Constitution provides a tripartite selection process involving the government and both chambers, the PP has repeatedly postponed the renewal, arguing that regional parliaments have not submitted candidate lists in time.

Extensions requested by the parliaments of Cantabria and Andalucía were approved by the Senate despite opposition from the PSOE. The PSOE characterises the moves as a strategic delay to preserve one outlet composition of the Constitutional Court, while the PP maintains that negotiations are ongoing. The dispute highlights the broader political struggle for control over Spain's highest constitutional authority.