Irene Montero

In June 2023, the Supreme Court ordered Irene Montero to pay 18,000 euros in compensation to Rafael Marcos, María Sevilla's former partner, after she publicly described him as a "maltratador" (abuser) at a political event. The court found that the statements unlawfully infringed his reputation.

Attribution

Personally implicated

The comprehensive sexual freedom law promoted by Irene Montero's ministry merged the former categories of sexual abuse and sexual assault and placed consent at the heart of the framework. However, reductions in certain minimum sentences triggered a wave of sentence reviews: by May 2023, the CGPJ had recorded at least 1,079 reductions and 108 releases from prison. The PSOE ultimately passed a reform increasing certain penalties with PP support.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Irene Montero championed the law on real and effective equality for transgender people and the protection of LGTBI rights, based notably on gender self-determination from the age of 16, with specific arrangements for younger minors. The legislation caused a lasting conflict with sections of the PSOE and feminist movement concerned about effects on legal certainty, women's rights and minors.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

During the formation of the Sumar coalition for the 2023 general election, Irene Montero was left off the candidate lists despite Podemos's requests. Ione Belarra and other party leaders publicly described the exclusion as a "veto" and denounced the sacrifice of one of their main political assets.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Political responsibility

Proceedings examined allegations that Podemos or ministry staff had been used as nannies for the children of Irene Montero and Pablo Iglesias. In July 2022, the judge dismissed the case, finding no proof that a party employee or publicly funded worker had cared for the children during paid working hours.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Irene Montero lost two separate proceedings before the Supreme Court seeking protection of her reputation: one against Federico Jiménez Losantos and Libertad Digital over highly aggressive descriptions of her political activity, and another concerning a satirical poem published in a judicial association's magazine. In both cases, the Supreme Court gave precedence to freedom of expression in public debate.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Irene Montero and Pablo Iglesias purchased a house in Galapagar for approximately 600,000 euros, financed by a 540,000 euro mortgage. The purchase sparked controversy over the consistency between their lifestyle and Podemos's social message, and they submitted their continued leadership roles to a vote of party members.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated