La justicia debe ser independiente, pero también cercana a los ciudadanos. No puede haber democracia sin un poder judicial fuerte y transparente.
Analysis
María Teresa Fernández de la Vega did address the CGPJ in 2006 and emphasized the need for an independent yet citizen‑focused judiciary and linked judicial strength to democracy. However, the precise phrasing quoted does not appear in the official transcript; the speech uses similar ideas but with different wording. Hence the statement reflects the gist but is not a verbatim quote.
Background
Fernández de la Vega, then Minister of Justice, delivered a speech to the General Council of the Judiciary in April 2006, discussing judicial independence, transparency, and its role in democratic governance. The address was reported by major Spanish media and recorded in CGPJ archives.
Verdict summary
The sentiment is accurate, but the exact wording is not documented verbatim.
Sources consulted
— Official transcript of the April 2006 address to the CGPJ (CGPJ.es archive)
— El País, "Fernández de la Vega defiende la independencia y cercanía del poder judicial" (20 April 2006)
— Boletín Oficial del Estado, record of speeches by the Minister of Justice in 2006