Spain’s national police chief resigns following rape allegation investigation

Spain’s national police force has been thrown into turmoil after its top operational commander Jose Angel Gonzalez resigned following the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations he raped a subordinate officer.

A Madrid judge formally opened proceedings after accepting a complaint filed earlier this year by a junior female officer, who alleges the assault occurred in April 2025 at Gonzalez’s official government residence after she had been assigned to drive him there while on duty.

According to court filings reported by Spanish media, the officer claims the alleged assault took place after Gonzalez used his senior position to direct her movements, with the complaint further alleging she sustained injuries before escaping the residence.

The filing also asserts attempts were made to discourage her from reporting the incident. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed Gonzalez’s resignation, stating the accusation was “so serious” that stepping down became unavoidable as the investigation proceeds.

The scandal adds to mounting political pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government, already facing corruption probes and electoral setbacks amid rising opposition momentum.