The former Vice President of the Government and Minister of Economy and Finance Pedro Solbes He died this Saturday, as confirmed by sources from the PSOE leadership. Solbes, who held office between 2004 and 2009 in the Socialist Government of Jose Luis Rodriguez ZapateroHe has died at the age of 80.
Pedro Solbes He began his political life as Secretary General of Economy and Finance, when this ministry was headed by Michael Boyer. Later he was secretary of European Union State at the time of Spain’s accession to the EU and, later, Minister of Agriculture and Economy in the governments of Philip Gonzalez. He took over the reins of the Ministry of Economy in 2004, in the first legislature of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, a position he held until 2009, in the midst of the economic crisis, when he was replaced by Elena Salgado.
Born in pinoso (Alicante) in 1942, married with three children, Solbes had a doctorate in Political Science and a Law degree, as well as a degree in European Economics from the Institute of European Studies of the Free University of Brussels. State commercial technician since 1968, his career in the Administration was intense from his first positions as subdelegate and regional delegate of Commerce in Valencia from 1968 to 1973.
From there he became commercial adviser to the Spanish Mission to the European Communities between 1973 and 1978, in Brusselsand Community Relations adviser, from 1978 to 1979, during the Government of Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo. Subsequently, he held the position of General Director of Trade Policy, until 1982, when he became Technical Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, a position from which he was part of the negotiating team for the accession of Spain to the European Community, and of there he went to the Secretary of State for the European Communities. In 1996 he was elected deputy for the socialist list of Alicante, where he was listed as number one, and then he was appointed president of the Mixed Commission Congress-Senate for the EU.
«The socialist family wants to convey its love and appreciation to his family and loved ones. As well as remembering his exemplary career at the service of Spain and its institutions. Thanks, mate Peter. For your work, for your commitment and your dedication to public service to Spain and Europe. Thank you for having contributed to improving the lives of everyone. Goodbye, Pedro, and thank you» reads the PSOE statement.
