Spain’s Prime Minister Sánchez reshapes his cabinet to focus on the economy

MADRID (AP) — Spain’s prime minister reshuffled his cabinet on Saturday, forming what he called “the recovery government” following the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has led a minority coalition government formed by his Socialist Party and the anti-austerity United We Can party since January 2020. He has managed to keep it afloat during the pandemic and pass a budget with key votes opposition parties.

“As we put the pandemic behind us, the new government will focus on the country’s economic recovery and job creation, and will take full advantage of the huge opportunity presented by the recovery of European Union funds,” he said. Sanchez said.

Women will lead 14 of the 22 ministries of the Spanish government, compared to 12 in the current government. Sánchez has made gender equality and women’s rights one of the priorities of her term.

Sánchez left United We Can’s five ministers intact and made the seven changes to the socialist side of his cabinet.

The biggest change was the exit of Carmen Calvo, the Deputy Prime Minister. Economy Minister Nadia Calviño was raised in her place. Calvo leaves following a standoff with Equalities Minister Irene Montero of United We Can over the bill that will enable gender self-determination.

José Albares will become the new foreign minister after leaving his post as ambassador to France. Albares will replace Arancha González Laya, who has been heavily criticized for the recent diplomatic spat with Morocco.

Juan Campo stepped out as justice minister just weeks after the Spanish government pardoned nine instigators of the 2017 secession attempt by the northeast region of Catalonia. Judge Pilar Llop will leave the presidency of the Senate to succeed Campo.

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