Madrid: Police Director Pablo Enrique Rodríguez dismissed after numerous scandals

The authorities of the Spanish capital have made a radical decision to end cooperation with the former General Director of the Municipal Police. Pablo Enrique Rodríguez held this position for seven years, but a series of events from last year ultimately undermined the trust of Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida. The key flashpoint turned out to be an incident involving an officer that led to the hit-and-run of a child, as well as subsequent suspicions of manipulation in recruitment competitions for police positions. Rodríguez's resignation occurred directly after his return from five months of medical leave, which in the corridors of Madrid's city hall was seen as a sign of an inevitable dismissal. The city hall spokesperson and deputy mayor, Inmaculada Sanz, officially described this change as "the beginning of a new stage" in the functioning of the force. The new administrator is Antonio Domingo Ayuso, a 66-year-old engineer associated with Madrid's administration for years. Although Ayuso has extensive experience in coordinating emergency services and crisis management tasks, the appointment of a person without a law enforcement background is causing some concern among police unions. Experts point out that the new director faces the difficult task of rebuilding morale within the seven-thousand-strong police corps and restoring the institution's tarnished image in the eyes of Madrid residents. The Municipal Police in Madrid is the largest local force in Spain, tracing its traditions back to 19th-century municipal guards. In recent decades, it has become a modern force that, in addition to traffic duties, also deals with crime prevention and public order protection. The opposition in the Madrid City Council criticizes the timing of the dismissal announcement, suggesting that the authorities delayed the decision for far too long despite clear evidence of a management crisis. It is emphasized that Rodríguez was accused of rigging exams (so-called 'oposiciones'), which in the Spanish public service system is considered a serious ethical breach. Despite the change at the top, Madrid's police must now face ongoing investigative proceedings that cast a shadow over recruitment processes from the last two years. „This decision responds to the need to refresh structures and give new impetus to the actions of the Municipal Police in the face of upcoming security challenges for the city.” — Inma Sanz 7 years — tenure of the dismissed police general director [{"dateISO": "2019-06-01", "date": "June 2019", "title": "Start of term", "description": "Pablo Enrique Rodríguez assumes the position by appointment of Mayor Almeida."}, {"dateISO": "2025-02-01", "date": "February 2025", "title": "Hit-and-run scandal", "description": "Media reveal details of an accident involving a child, sparking a wave of criticism."}, {"dateISO": "2025-09-01", "date": "September 2025", "title": "Medical leave", "description": "The director takes a five-month break from his duties."}, {"dateISO": "2026-02-19", "date": "February 19, 2026", "title": "Official dismissal", "description": "The Madrid City Government announces Rodríguez's dismissal and the appointment of his successor."}] Left-wing media emphasize the lack of transparency at city hall and the overly delayed response to corruption in the police. | Conservative media highlight the professionalism of the new candidate and focus on the need to reorganize the services.