Catalonia's Justice System Faces Judge Shortage: Urgent Need for Reform

Catalonia Faces Judicial Staffing Crisis: More Judges Needed, Says Advisor Barcelona, Spain – Catalonia's justice system is facing a significant staffing shortage, according to Ramon Espadaler, the Justice and Democratic Quality Advisor. In a recent interview, Espadaler highlighted the urgent need for more judges and court staff to address the growing workload and ensure efficient operation of the courts. "The thing that worries me most is the limited capacity we have to stabilize the staff of civil servants, judges and prosecutors," Espadaler stated. He explained that the current staffing levels are insufficient to handle the volume of cases, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the justice system. To tackle the problem, the Catalan government recently passed Law 1/2025, aiming to improve efficiency by redistributing workloads and streamlining processes. Espadaler emphasized that this law is crucial for addressing the shortage and improving the overall performance of the judicial system. However, he also acknowledged that the law alone is not a complete solution, and that the addition of more judges and court staff is essential. The budgetary implications of increasing judicial staffing levels are significant. The government is committed to finding the necessary resources to support this expansion, but the process will take time. Espadaler expressed confidence that the necessary funds will be secured in the coming years. The interview concluded on a hopeful note, with Espadaler expressing confidence that the changes brought about by Law 1/2025, coupled with increased staffing, will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Catalan justice system.