Spanish 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 government of recovery” in the wake of 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 managed to keep it afloat during the pandemic and pass a budget by securing 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 take full advantage of the huge opportunity presented by the European Union’s recovery funds,” he said. Sánchez said.

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

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

The biggest change was the departure of Carmen Calvo, the Deputy Prime Minister. Economy Minister Nadia Calviño was elevated to take her place. Calvo leaves the day after a standoff with Equality Minister Irene Montero of United We Can over the bill that will allow gender self-determination.

José Albares will become the new Minister of Foreign Affairs after leaving his post as Ambassador to France. Albares to replace Arancha González Laya, who has come under heavy criticism over recent diplomatic feud with Morocco.

Juan Campo is no longer Minister of Justice just weeks after the Spanish government pardoned nine instigators of the 2017 secession attempt by the northeastern region of Catalonia. Judge Pilar Llop will step down from the presidency of the Senate to succeed Campo.