The Government closes ranks with Mercedes González after her indictment in the 'Leire Díez case' and refuses to remove her from the Civil Guard: "Maximum tranquility"

The Government maintains its support for the general director of the Civil Guard, Mercedes González, after National Court judge Santiago Pedraz cited her as a suspect in the Leire Díez case. Moncloa has conveyed "maximum tranquility" and defends that González will provide the corresponding explanations to Justice.

The decision also affects the operational deputy director of the corps, Lieutenant General Manuel Llamas, who has been cited along with González to testify next July 16 for alleged crimes of prevarication and obstruction of justice. Both will remain in their positions, according to sources from the Ministry of Interior.

From Moncloa, they insist that the indictment does not change the Executive's position. "Total normality and transparency, because there is nothing to hide," they convey from the Government's environment. The message is in the same vein as the support that Pedro Sánchez had already expressed in recent weeks for the director of the Armed Institute. The Government chooses to shield itself from another judicial blow after the conviction of former minister Ábalos and Koldo García, the investigations by SEPI, the indictment of Santos Cerdán, and the unprecedented scandal of former president Zapatero.

Marlaska retains confidence in the corps' leadership

The Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, maintains his confidence in both Mercedes González and Manuel Llamas. Sources from his department assure that the two "will continue to exercise their functions as before" and will show "the maximum collaboration with Justice" in everything required of them.

Tuesday's summons comes after the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office asked Judge Pedraz to call both as investigated parties. The magistrate had also received a request from the Popular Party, appearing as a popular accusation, although the PP also demanded an investigation into the previous general director of the Civil Guard, Leonardo Marcos. Pedraz has not taken that step for now.

The case investigates the alleged maneuvers attributed to former socialist militant Leire Díez to promote actions against the Central Operative Unit (UCO) for alleged leaks in procedures affecting the Government, the PSOE, and Pedro Sánchez's circle. In this context, the judge now wants to hear from the director of the Civil Guard and the operational number two of the corps.

The Government relies on González's version in the Senate

The Executive considers valid the explanations Mercedes González offered in the Senate, where she denied having participated in any operation against the UCO. "I have never, ever, participated in any plot or conspiracy against the Central Operative Unit," the director general then affirmed, defending that her contacts with Leire Díez had no relation to ongoing judicial investigations.

Moncloa maintains that González has already offered public explanations and will now do the same before the judge. The Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, has also spoken of "absolute tranquility" and recalled that the case is still in the investigation phase. The third vice-president, Sara Aagesen, has also appealed for respect for justice and the presumption of innocence.

The case has become tense due to the UCO reports on the contacts between González and Leire Díez. Agents point to several encounters between the two and deleted messages in a WhatsApp conversation. The director general has denied that these contacts served to stop, hinder, or interfere with the body's investigations.

The PP demands resignations and increases pressure on Marlaska

The opposition has reacted harshly. The Popular Party demands the departure of Mercedes González, Manuel Llamas, and Marlaska himself. The popular general secretary, Cuca Gamarra, has accused the Government of trying to "destroy" institutions from within and has even said that González has become "Sánchez's Roldán."

The far-right Vox has also demanded political accountability and has again attacked the Minister of the Interior. Santiago Abascal's party maintains that the indictment confirms their complaints about the functioning of the Government and demands the immediate dismissal of those responsible.

The pressure does not only come from political parties. Several professional associations of the Civil Guard have demanded the resignation of the director general and the DAO. Jucil, AUGC, and other organizations of the body consider that their continuity damages the image of the institution, although some have simultaneously emphasized the right to the presumption of innocence.

The judicial calendar is already set. Mercedes González and Manuel Llamas must appear before Pedraz on July 16. Until then, Interior maintains its full confidence in both and Moncloa avoids opening a debate on dismissals due to a summons as investigated parties.