Overview
- The Madrid regional government said it will submit formal objections to the draft, calling it a “safe‑conduct for corruption” and challenging its core design.
- The region argues the bill would replace notarized deeds that show who owns a company with a private electronic document, which would weaken tools police and prosecutors use to trace real owners.
- Madrid also warns the planned Agency of Public Integrity would not be independent, saying it could fall under central control and add red tape for companies and public bodies.
- The prosecution service, in a mandatory opinion released this week, backed stronger rules but urged tougher corporate penalties, clear powers to seize cryptoassets, and better protection for whistleblowers, while flagging money‑laundering risks if notarial checks are removed.
- The Council of Ministers approved the draft in February as part of an anti‑corruption plan that updates 18 laws, including limits on prison benefits for corruption convicts until stolen funds are repaid with interest, and the text now moves through further advisory reviews.