26 Jun Strike in Spanish Courts: A Wake-Up Call on Judicial Collapse and the Need for Alternative Paths

Strike in Spanish Courts: A Wake-Up Call on Judicial Collapse and the Need for Alternative Paths

The Spanish justice system is once again at the center of public debate — this time, not because of a controversial ruling, but due to a strike call by the main associations of judges and prosecutors for July 1, 2 and 3, 2025. The threat of an indefinite strike only worsens a situation long denounced by legal professionals: court collapse and growing disaffection among judicial staff.

Why are judges and prosecutors going on strike?

The associations —APM, AJFV, FJI, AF and APIF— warn that recent government reforms regarding access to the judiciary and the public prosecutor’s office and the Prosecutor General’s statute threaten judicial independence, lower standards of merit and ability, and place excessive power in the hands of the State Prosecutor General.

They also denounce the lack of dialogue with the Ministry of Justice and a reform policy carried out without consensus. Although the right to strike for judges and prosecutors is not clearly recognized in Spanish law, similar protests have occurred before, with mixed results but always a significant impact on the functioning of the judiciary.

A justice system under constant pressure

Spain has been dealing with a structural collapse of its justice system for years. In 2023 alone, strikes by court clerks and staff led to the cancellation of over 500,000 hearings. On top of this, there is a chronic lack of personnel and resources, and an overjudicialization of social, economic and family conflicts.

Citizens increasingly struggle to access swift, understandable and effective justice. Delays, emotional and financial costs, and uncertainty about outcomes make court proceedings feel more like a burden than a solution.

Mediation and ADR: A Responsible and Effective Path

In the face of this uncertain outlook, mediation and Appropriate Dispute Resolution methods (ADR) are becoming increasingly necessary alternatives. Their aim is not to replace traditional justice but to complement it and reshape how we handle disputes.

Some key benefits include:

• ✅ Speed: a conflict that could take years in court can be resolved in weeks or even days through mediation.
• ✅ Lower costs: compared to high litigation expenses, ADR tends to be more affordable.
• ✅ Empowerment of parties: those involved design their own agreement, increasing compliance and satisfaction.
• ✅ Preservation of relationships: especially valuable in family, community, business or workplace disputes where continued contact is inevitable.
• ✅ Confidentiality and flexibility: the process adapts to the needs and expectations of the parties.

A chance to rethink access to justice

The court strike, beyond its immediate consequences, invites us to reflect on what kind of justice system we want. It’s not just about resources or legislation, but about fostering a culture of dialogue, prevention and shared responsibility.

In times of institutional overload, embracing extrajudicial solutions is not about giving up rights, but about protecting them more effectively. Mediation does not replace the courts, but it lightens their load and offers more humane, sustainable, and transformative outcomes.

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