The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has sought to defend his embattled police chief, Pablo Enrique Rodríguez, amidst criticisms from the left-wing opposition. By highlighting Rodríguez's "impeccable curriculum and extraordinary academic background," the mayor aimed to dispel doubts about the chief's continued leadership since 2019. However, this praise coincides with a judicial hearing concerning Rodríguez's selection as the top candidate in a 2014 competition for senior police positions.

The hearing, scheduled at 10:40 a.m. in Madrid's contentious court number six, focuses on a challenge against the 2014 selection, where Rodríguez secured the top position among candidates for 12 subdirector roles, now known as police commissioner. The challenger claims personal connections between Rodríguez and the selection committee's president, Enrique Álvarez Conde, a former professor at Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC), notorious for granting questionable degrees to prominent figures.

Álvarez Conde awarded Rodríguez the highest score, 8.86, in the final critical exam, which required candidates to address a practical police activity scenario in a foreign language of choice. The lawyer representing the challenger, Miguel Ángel Encinar, highlights numerous links between Rodríguez and Álvarez Conde, including academic ties at URJC, where Rodríguez taught courses under Álvarez Conde's invitation.

Encinar argues that the selection process violated the principle of equal access to public service, pointing to the excessive use of substitute committees, with 15 to 20 tribunals instead of one. He demands a rightful position for his client or the annulment of the selection process, potentially stripping Rodríguez of his professional rank.

Despite being on leave for nearly four weeks, Rodríguez has not responded to inquiries from EL PAÍS regarding his perspective. Additionally, the vice mayor, Inmaculada Sanz, responsible for security, has not commented on the matter. Witnesses, including tribunal members, applicants, city staff, and an expert hired by the challenger, will testify at Tuesday's hearing.

Rodríguez has cultivated relationships with legal and political figures over the years, leveraging his role at the police academy CIFSE to invite influential individuals like Álvarez Conde. Before the 2014 selection, Rodríguez was appointed director of emergencies, later holding less prominent roles under Mayor Manuela Carmena. In 2019, when Almeida became mayor, Rodríguez was appointed director general of the Municipal Police, maintaining his position despite controversies.

The left-wing opposition contends that Rodríguez possesses compromising information about Mayor Almeida and Vice Mayor Sanz, prompting their support despite controversies. Sanz has echoed Almeida's praise, asserting Rodríguez's preparedness for his role, having been the top candidate of his cohort.

This examination of Rodríguez's 2014 selection should not be confused with another investigation from 2021, where Rodríguez faces allegations of influence peddling. Police associations have accused him and other officials of favoring acquaintances, including Rodríguez's partner, Ana Padilla, who advanced to commissioner following the disputed exams.

Meanwhile, the case involving the accident of a young girl will also proceed legally. The parents of Aitana S. have announced legal action regarding the incident, potentially revealing irregularities overlooked by Mayor Almeida.