Marlaska compiled dossiers on dozens of journalists based on their ideology

Interior compiled dossiers on dozens of journalists based on their ideology

Having government lists of journalists is not new. Nor is it that the content leaks and becomes public.
But the file reportedly prepared by the team of the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, with dozens of media professionals classified by their ideology, has ignited the debate about the limits of political control. According to the information published, each profile includes a photo and comments such as “Supports the Government,” “aligned with right-wing positions,” or “defends PSOE policies.”

A dossier with profiles and political labels

The document, secretly compiled, was reportedly drawn up by the minister's collaborators. The profiles not only record political affiliation but also evaluations of each journalist’s work: “controversial journalist,” “far-right,” or “misinformation.” The leak has provoked a wave of criticism. Some describe it as a “blacklist” and a slide toward totalitarianism, comparing it to the practices of the Stasi or Francoism. Others, however, downplay it: they argue that any government monitors journalists, but the mistake is being caught doing so.

Reactions: from indignation to “not news”

The majority reaction has been one of outrage. Calls have been made for Marlaska's resignation, and it is described as an attack on press freedom. But there are also those who recall that this is “normal in a democratic country,” even if the leak was an oversight. The comparison with authoritarian regimes hangs over the ministry, and the question remains whether there will be consequences. Experience suggests these matters usually fade away, but the leak has left an uncomfortable precedent: the state machinery classifying those who inform. If there is no resignation, the matter will fade into obscurity, but the shadow remains.