Overview
- Santafé took office at the Canillas complex in Madrid, capping an appointment formalized by Interior Order 178/2026 published in the BOE on March 6.
- Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska voiced deep disappointment over recent allegations and called for restoring the Police’s diminished social credibility.
- Director General Francisco Pardo urged the new No. 2 to be implacable with irregular conduct, highlighting swift action taken on February 17 and cooperation by Asuntos Internos with the court.
- Santafé pledged full cooperation with the judiciary and warned that casting suspicion over the entire force is “tremendously dangerous.”
- Senior authorities attended the ceremony, including Security Secretary of State Aina Calvo, CNI director Esperanza Casteleiro, Ombudsman Ángel Gabilondo, and the Audiencia Nacional president, as the former DAO remains under judicial investigation with a court appearance expected next week.