Famous Spanish Leaders

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador who played a significant role in the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. He embarked on expeditions to the New World, including Panama and Peru, leading to the founding of settlements and the eventual conquest of Peru. Pizarro captured the Incan emperor Atahualpa, seized the Inca capital of Cuzco, and established the city of Lima. Despite his successes, Pizarro faced political struggles and was assassinated in 1541.

El Cid was a Castilian knight and ruler in medieval Spain, known for his leadership on the battlefield. He fought alongside both Christian and Muslim armies, earning the titles of as-Sayyid and El Campeador. He played a key role in reclaiming the Taifa of Valencia during the Reconquista, ruling as its lord until his death. El Cid was celebrated for his service to various rulers, embodying the qualities of a medieval knight: strong, valiant, loyal, just, and pious. He remains a prominent figure in Spanish history and culture.

Francisco Franco Bahamonde was a Spanish military general who led the Nationalist forces in overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. He ruled over Spain as a dictator from 1939 to 1975, assuming the title Caudillo. Franco consolidated power, suppressed political opponents, and established a one-party state. He maintained Spanish neutrality during World War II but supported the Axis powers. Franco's regime transitioned from totalitarianism to authoritarianism, overseeing economic growth and receiving support from the West.

Buenaventura Durruti was a Spanish insurrectionary and anarcho-syndicalist militant known for his involvement with the CNT and the FAI during the Spanish Civil War. He played a significant role in the Spanish Revolution of 1936, emerging as a prominent figure in the anarchist movement. Durruti's professional life was characterized by his dedication to revolutionary ideals, his leadership within anarchist organizations, and his active participation in the social and political conflicts of his time, making him a revered hero among anarchists.

Antonio José de Sucre was a Venezuelan general and politician who played a crucial role in South America's fight for independence from the Spanish Empire. Known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho," he demonstrated exceptional military leadership during key battles such as Pichincha and Ayacucho, contributing significantly to the liberation of territories in South America. Despite facing challenges during his presidency in Bolivia, Sucre continued to serve as a dedicated military commander, ultimately meeting a tragic end with his assassination in Colombia in 1830.

Francis Xavier was a Catholic missionary and saint who co-founded the Society of Jesus. He led the first Christian mission to Japan and was influential in evangelization work in early modern India. He proposed the establishment of the Goan Inquisition and was involved in missionary activity in Portuguese India. As a representative of the Portuguese Empire, he also ventured into Borneo, the Maluku Islands, and Japan. Known as the "Apostle of the Indies" and "Apostle of the Far East," he is considered one of the greatest missionaries in history.

Francisco de Quevedo was a distinguished Spanish nobleman, politician, and writer known for his significant contributions to the Baroque era. As one of the foremost poets of his time, he engaged in a lifelong literary rivalry with Luis de Góngora. Quevedo's style, characterized by conceptismo, stood in stark contrast to Góngora's culteranismo. Through his works, Quevedo demonstrated a keen intellect and mastery of language, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Spanish literature and leaving a lasting impact on literary history.

Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba was a Spanish general and statesman known as "El Gran Capitán" for his military successes during the Conquest of Granada and Italian Wars. He introduced innovative military tactics, including the effective use of firearms and reorganization of infantry into tercios. His strategies made the Spanish army dominant in Europe for over a century. Córdoba also negotiated important surrenders and served as Viceroy of Naples. He maintained strong diplomatic relationships with various European powers, earning international prestige and acclaim.

Mariano Rajoy Brey is a Spanish politician who served as Prime Minister of Spain from 2011 to 2018. He led the People's Party, becoming Prime Minister after the party's victory in the 2011 general election. Rajoy faced challenges such as the Spanish financial crisis, overseeing financial system restructuring and labor reform. His second term saw economic recovery and addressing unemployment. He navigated the 2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis due to the Catalan independence referendum. Rajoy was a key figure in Spanish politics for over two decades.

Dolores Ibárruri, also known as Pasionaria, was a prominent Spanish Republican politician and communist figure during the Spanish Civil War. She joined the Spanish Communist Party in 1920 and later became a writer for their publication. Elected as a deputy in the Cortes Generales in 1936, she went into exile at the end of the Civil War. Ibárruri held key positions within the Communist Party of Spain, serving as General Secretary and later as honorary president. She returned to Spain in 1977 and resumed her political career as a deputy.

Pedro Gutiérrez de Valdivia was a Spanish conquistador who served in Italy and Flanders before being sent to South America in 1534. He acted as lieutenant under Francisco Pizarro in Peru and later led an expedition into Chile in 1540, where he founded Santiago. Valdivia extended Spanish rule south to the Biobío River, fought in Peru, and returned to Chile as governor. He colonized Chile south of the Biobío, founded Concepción, and was eventually captured and killed during a campaign against the Mapuche.

Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros was a Spanish cardinal, religious figure, and statesman who rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in Spain during the reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. He served as a religious reformer, regent of Spain, Cardinal, Grand Inquisitor, and promoter of the Crusades in North Africa. Cisneros was also known for his intellectual achievements, including funding the Complutensian Polyglot Bible and publishing the first printed editions of the missal and breviary of the Mozarabic Rite.

Ferran Soriano is a prominent Spanish businessman with extensive experience in the sports industry. He currently serves as the chief executive officer of Premier League club Manchester City, as well as Major League Soccer's New York City FC and the A-League's Melbourne City FC. Previously, he held the position of vice-president and General Manager at Barcelona from 2003 to 2008. Soriano is actively involved in the European Club Association and plays a significant role in shaping the direction and success of various top-tier football clubs around the world.

Irene María Montero Gil is a Spanish politician and psychologist affiliated with the Podemos party. She has held various significant positions within the party, including serving as the Minister of Equality of Spain from January 2020 to November 2023. Montero has also been an MP for Madrid in the Congress of Deputies from January 2016 to August 2023, and she was the Spokesperson for the Parliamentary Group Unidos Podemos-En Comú Podem-Galicia en Común in Congress from February 2017 to January 2020.

Antipope Benedict XIII, also known as el Papa Luna, was an Aragonese nobleman who served as an antipope during the Western Schism. Despite his controversial position, he was an influential figure within the Catholic Church, garnering support from various European rulers. Benedict XIII faced opposition from the official papacy and struggled to unite the Church during a period of division and conflict. Despite his efforts to assert his legitimacy, he was ultimately unable to resolve the schism, leading to his eventual downfall.

Ferdinand I of León was the count of Castile and later the king of León. He defeated his brother-in-law to become king and was known as the Great. He was crowned Emperor of Spain in 1056, starting a tradition carried on by his heirs. Ferdinand's rule marked the beginning of the Navarrese Jiménez dynasty over western Spain. His reign shifted power and culture westward after a period of Leonese decline, leading to the internal consolidation of the realm of León-Castilla.

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was a Spanish admiral, explorer, and conquistador known for founding St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, the first successful European settlement in La Florida. He planned the first trans-oceanic convoys, establishing the Spanish treasure fleet. Menéndez was the first governor of La Florida and appointed adelantado by Philip II. He was tasked with implementing royal policies, building fortifications, and establishing Castilian governmental institutions in strategic areas in the region.

José María Aznar López is a Spanish politician who served as the prime minister of Spain from 1996 to 2004. He led the People's Party and implemented market liberalization, deregulation, and privatization during his tenure. He faced challenges such as an assassination attempt by ETA, negotiations with the group, and criticism for supporting the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving office, he remained active in the private sector, serving on various boards and councils, and later resigned from a lobbying position in 2024.

Sandro Rosell is a Spanish businessman with an MBA from ESADE. He served as a senior adviser during the 2003 Barcelona elections, later becoming the vice-president of sports until June 2005. Rosell then served as the president of Barcelona from 2010 to 2014. In 2017, he was jailed without bail in a money laundering investigation related to television rights for past matches of the Brazil national team. After 643 days of pre-trial detention, Rosell was fully acquitted by Spanish courts in April 2019.

Javier Solana is a Spanish physicist and politician who has held significant roles in both national and international arenas. He served as Foreign Affairs Minister in the Spanish government under Felipe González and as Secretary General of NATO. Solana later became the European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union, and Secretary-General of the Western European Union. He played a key role in leading the alliance during Operation Allied Force and held these influential positions from 1992 to 2009.

Almanzor, a Muslim Arab Andalusi military leader and statesman, rose to power as the chancellor of the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba and hajib for Caliph Hisham II. He held various important administrative positions during the caliphate of Al-Hakam II and eventually became the de facto ruler of Islamic Iberia. Known for his defense of jihad, Almanzor's image as a champion of Islam justified his assumption of governmental authority. He implemented profound reforms in foreign and domestic politics, leading successful campaigns in the Maghreb and Iberia, temporarily halting Christian kingdoms' advance southward.

Lluís Companys i Jover was a Catalan lawyer and politician closely associated with the labour movement. He was a key leader of the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) political party and played a significant role in the events surrounding the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic. As president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, he worked to strengthen Catalan self-government and advance a progressive agenda. Despite facing challenges and imprisonment for his political actions, Companys remained committed to his ideals during the Spanish Civil War and was ultimately captured and executed by the Franco regime.

Ada Colau Ballano is a prominent Spanish activist and politician known for her role as the Mayor of Barcelona from 2015 to 2023. She made history as the first woman to hold this position. Colau gained recognition as a founding member and spokesperson for the Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH), a platform established in response to the housing crisis following the 2008 financial crash. Her leadership within the citizen municipalist platform, Barcelona En Comú, reflects her commitment to social justice and community activism.

Sila María Calderón Serra is a Puerto Rican politician, businesswoman, and philanthropist who served as the governor of Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2005, becoming the first woman elected to that office. Prior to her governorship, she held various government positions, including Secretary of State of Puerto Rico and Chief of Staff to Governor Rafael Hernández Colón. Calderón also served as the mayor of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, from 1997 to 2001.

Anne Hidalgo is a Spanish-French politician and member of the Socialist Party. She has been the Mayor of Paris since 2014, becoming the first woman to hold the office. Prior to her mayoralty, she served as the First Deputy Mayor of Paris under Mayor Bertrand Delanoë. Hidalgo's tenure as Mayor of Paris has been marked by significant events such as the Charlie Hebdo shooting and Paris attacks. She has implemented various measures to address challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and gained international attention for her urban planning proposals.

Roland was a Frankish military leader under Charlemagne, known for his role as the military governor of the Breton March. He was responsible for defending Francia's frontier against the Bretons. Although his only historical attestation is found in Einhard's Vita Karoli Magni, Roland became a legendary figure in the literary cycle known as the Matter of France. The story of his death at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass was embellished in later medieval and Renaissance literature, with epic treatments like the Old French Chanson de Roland. Additionally, his character is associated with iconic elements such as the sword Durendal and the horse Veillantif.

Clara Campoamor Rodríguez was a Spanish politician, lawyer, and writer known as a key figure in the Spanish feminist movement. She played a crucial role in advocating for women's suffrage, leading to its inclusion in the Spanish Constitution of 1931. Campoamor was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1931, despite women not yet having the right to vote. She briefly served as a government minister before fleeing the country during the Spanish Civil War. Campoamor passed away in exile in Switzerland and was buried in Spain.

Joan Laporta i Estruch is a Spanish lawyer and politician who serves as the president of Barcelona. He runs his own law firm with notable clients and previously worked as a Member of Parliament in Catalonia. Laporta has had two separate terms as president of Barcelona, during which the club achieved significant success, setting records for trophies won in a year. Under his leadership, Barcelona's sports sections have amassed an impressive tally of over 92 official trophies.

Niceto Alcalá-Zamora y Torres was a Spanish lawyer and politician who played a significant role in the Second Spanish Republic. He served as the first prime minister of the Republic for a brief period before assuming the presidency from 1931 to 1936. Alcalá-Zamora's professional life was characterized by his commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. His tenure as president was marked by efforts to navigate the complex political landscape of the time, advocating for social reform and maintaining stability amidst increasing political tensions.

Josu Urrutikoetxea Bengoetxea, also known as Josu Ternera, is a former member of the Basque separatist organization ETA. Throughout his involvement with ETA, he participated in various attacks, robberies, and planning sessions, including the Plaza República Dominicana bombing and the Zaragoza barracks bombing. He was arrested multiple times in Spain and France, serving prison sentences for his role in ETA's international apparatus and terrorist activities. Urrutikoetxea later left ETA, engaged in disarmament efforts, and was eventually acquitted of terrorism charges in France in 2021.

Vicente Blasco Ibáñez was a versatile professional with a career spanning journalism, politics, and literature. He gained international recognition as a bestselling Spanish novelist known for works adapted into Hollywood films. Ibáñez's literary talent allowed him to explore various genres, showcasing his creativity and storytelling skills. In addition to his success in literature, he was actively involved in journalism and politics, demonstrating a diverse range of interests and contributions to society through his work.

Urraca of León was Queen of León, Castile, and Galicia from 1109 until her death. Known as "the reckless," she claimed the imperial titles of Empress of All Spain and Empress of All Galicia. Urraca is recognized as the first European queen to reign in her own right, demonstrating strong leadership and political acumen during her rule. Her professional life was marked by her assertiveness in asserting her imperial claims and her efforts to govern and unite the kingdoms under her rule.

Manuel Carlos Valls Galfetti is a French-Spanish politician who has held various significant positions in government. He served as Prime Minister of France from 2014 to 2016 and was a Member of Parliament for Essonne. Valls was a prominent figure in the Socialist Party, known for his social liberal views. After leaving the Socialist Party, he briefly joined La République En Marche group in the National Assembly. Valls later ran for mayor of Barcelona in 2019 with support from Ciudadanos party.

Juan Negrín López was a Spanish physician and politician who served as prime minister of the Second Spanish Republic. He was a leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and of the left-leaning Popular Front government during the Spanish Civil War. Negrín also served as finance minister. He was the last Loyalist premier of Spain, leading the Republican forces defeated by the Nationalists under General Francisco Franco. Negrín held important positions in the Spanish Republican government in exile and was posthumously rehabilitated in 2008.

Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada y Rivera was a Spanish explorer and conquistador in northern South America, known for his expeditions in the territory now known as Colombia. As a well-educated lawyer, he played a key role in the Spanish conquest, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. Jiménez founded the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada, Santafé de Bogotá, and served as governor of Cartagena. He also led explorations in search of El Dorado, although the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful.

Meritxell Batet Lamaña is a Spanish jurist and former politician affiliated with the Socialists' Party of Catalonia (PSC). She served as President of the Congress of Deputies from 2019 to 2023, after previously holding the position of Minister for Territorial Policy and Civil Service in the Government of Spain. With a background as a lecturer of Constitutional Law at Pompeu Fabra University, she has been an active member of the Socialist Parliamentary Group across multiple terms in the lower house.

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is a Spanish politician and member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). He served as the Prime Minister of Spain for two terms, from 2004 to 2011. During his tenure, Zapatero implemented significant policies such as the withdrawal of Spanish troops from the Iraq war, the legalization of same-sex marriage, reforms in abortion laws, and efforts to negotiate peace with the separatist group ETA. He also promoted the idea of an Alliance of Civilizations and made efforts towards increasing tobacco restrictions and reforming autonomous statutes.

Florentino Pérez Rodríguez is a Spanish businessman known for his roles as the president of football club Real Madrid and the Chairman and CEO of Grupo ACS, a civil engineering company. He began his career in the private sector and later served as the general manager of the Spanish Road Association. Pérez has had two tenures as president of Real Madrid, during which he implemented the Galácticos policy of signing top players. Under his leadership, Real Madrid has achieved significant success, including winning numerous Champions League titles and domestic trophies.

Carles Puigdemont i Casamajó is a Catalan politician and journalist from Spain. He has served as a Member of the European Parliament since 2019. Puigdemont was the President of Catalonia from 2016 to 2017 before being removed from office due to the Catalan declaration of independence. He is the co-founder of the National Call for the Republic, leader of the Together for Catalonia electoral alliance, and founder of the Together for Catalonia party. Puigdemont has been involved in politics since his youth, transitioning from journalism to a political career in 2006.

Felipe González Márquez is a Spanish lawyer, professor, and politician known for his significant contributions to the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and his tenure as Prime Minister of Spain. He joined PSOE during the Francoist regime, becoming its Secretary-General in 1974. González played a pivotal role in the Spanish transition to democracy, securing a seat in the Congress of Deputies in 1977. He served as Prime Minister from 1982 to 1996, overseeing four general election victories and leading Spain through key political developments.

Miguel Primo de Rivera was a Spanish military officer who rose through the ranks to become a prominent general. He served in various military regions and advocated for military withdrawal from Africa. He seized power in a military coup in 1923, suspending the constitution and establishing martial law. His rule was characterized by authoritarian nationalism and populism. Despite initially planning a short tenure, he remained in power, implementing public spending policies and creating state monopolies. Economic challenges led to his resignation in 1930.

Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was a prominent Spanish neoclassical statesman, author, and philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment. He served in various government positions, focusing on legal and economic reforms to improve Spanish society. Jovellanos was known for his advocacy of education, justice, and economic progress. He played a key role in promoting agricultural improvements, education, and social welfare. As a writer, he produced influential works on topics such as political theory, literature, and philosophy, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish intellectual life.

Léon Degrelle was a Belgian Walloon politician who led the Rexist Party in the 1930s. During World War II, he collaborated with Nazi Germany, joining the German army and fighting on the Eastern Front with the Walloon Legion. After the war, he fled to Francoist Spain, where he continued to be active in neo-Nazi politics. Degrelle's involvement in far-right European circles and his publications glorifying the Nazi regime and denying the Holocaust solidified his reputation as a controversial figure in history.

Salvador de Madariaga was a prominent Spanish diplomat, writer, historian, and pacifist known for his liberal views. He was recognized for his contributions to literature and peace efforts, being nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1973, he was honored with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize. Throughout his career, Madariaga dedicated himself to promoting peace, advocating for diplomacy, and fostering understanding among nations through his writings and diplomatic work.

Admiral-General Luis Carrero Blanco was a Spanish Navy officer and politician who served as Spain's Premier. He played key roles in the Francoist dictatorship, holding high-ranking positions such as Undersecretary of the Presidency and Franco's deputy. Carrero Blanco was instrumental in drafting the 1947 Law of Succession to the Headship of the State and was handpicked by Franco as his successor. Tragically, Carrero Blanco was assassinated in 1973 by the Basque nationalist group ETA shortly after becoming prime minister.

Manuela Carmena Castrillo is a retired Spanish lawyer and judge who made significant contributions in the legal field. She served as Mayor of Madrid from June 2015 to June 2019, where she implemented various policies and initiatives to benefit the city and its residents. Prior to her mayoral role, Carmena was a respected member of the General Council of the Judiciary, showcasing her expertise and commitment to upholding the rule of law. Her professional journey exemplifies a dedicated career in law and public service.

John of Austria was a military leader in the service of King Philip II of Spain, his half-brother and Charles V's heir. He was recognized in his father's will and held the title of Don. John is famous for his role as the admiral of the Holy League fleet at the Battle of Lepanto, a significant naval battle against the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, he served as the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, showcasing his leadership abilities both on land and at sea.

Adolfo Suárez González was a Spanish lawyer and politician who played a pivotal role in Spain's transition to democracy after the Franco regime. As Spain's first democratically elected prime minister, he led the country's shift towards democracy by legalizing all political parties, including the Communist Party of Spain. Suárez founded the Union of the Democratic Centre and won the 1977 general election. He later resigned, founded the Democratic and Social Centre party, and served in the Cortes. Suárez retired from politics in 1991 due to Alzheimer's disease.

Agustina of Aragón was a Spanish woman who distinguished herself during the Peninsular War as a courageous defender of Spain. Initially serving as a civilian, she later transitioned to becoming a professional officer in the Spanish Army. Her valor and leadership on the battlefield earned her the nickname "the Spanish Joan of Arc." Agustina's remarkable contributions during the war have been immortalized in folklore, mythology, and various forms of art, including sketches by Francisco Goya and references in the poetry of Lord Byron.

Manuel Azaña Díaz was a Spanish politician who served as Prime Minister of the Second Spanish Republic, organizer of the Popular Front, and the last President of the Republic. A published author, he was critical of the Generation of '98 and sought inspiration from the French Enlightenment and Third French Republic. Azaña championed democracy in the 1920s and implemented military reform as Minister of War. During the Spanish Civil War, he led the Republican cause but ultimately fled to France after the Republic's defeat.

Gaspar de Portolá y Rovira was a Spanish Army officer and colonial administrator who served as the first governor of the Californias from 1767 to 1770. He is renowned for leading the Portolá expedition into California, establishing Spanish influence in the region. Portolá's leadership in the expedition resulted in the founding of key Californian cities such as San Diego and Monterey. Additionally, he played a significant role in naming various geographic features across California, many of which are still in use today.

María Margarita Robles Fernández is a prominent Spanish judge and politician with a distinguished career. She has held various significant roles, such as being the first woman to chair a contentious-administrative chamber and preside over a provincial court. Robles has also served as Minister of Defence and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her tenure includes positions like Secretary of State for Security, Justice at the Supreme Court, and member of the General Council of the Judiciary. She is affiliated with the progressive judge association Judges for Democracy.

Francesc Macià i Llussà was a Catalan politician and former officer in the Spanish Army. He served as the 122nd president of the Generalitat of Catalonia. Macià's political career evolved from advocating for regenerationism in Spain to defending the Catalan Republic. He was appointed as the first president of the restored Generalitat, successfully establishing self-government for Catalonia. Macià played a significant role in modern Catalan history by leading the region towards greater autonomy and self-determination.

Antonio de Mendoza was a prominent Spanish colonial administrator who served as the first viceroy of New Spain and the second viceroy of Peru. He played a key role in overseeing the governance and development of these regions during the early years of Spanish colonization in the Americas. Mendoza's leadership was characterized by efforts to promote economic growth, establish institutions, and manage relationships with indigenous populations. His tenure as viceroy was marked by significant achievements in expanding Spanish influence and control in the New World.

José Antonio Primo de Rivera was a Spanish fascist politician and lawyer who founded the Falange Española ("Spanish Phalanx") party. He entered politics to defend his father's memory and founded the party in 1933. Despite winning a seat in the Congress of Deputies, he faced challenges in widening his support base. He endorsed a nationalist military coup in 1936 that led to the Spanish Civil War. Accused of conspiracy and military rebellion, he was sentenced to death and executed during the conflict. Posthumously, he was regarded as a martyr and a tool of Francoist propaganda.

Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, was a Spanish royal favourite and minister to Philip IV. He became a Grandee in 1621 and served during the chaotic period following the Twelve Years' Truce. Known for his aggressive foreign policy, he aimed to recapture Holland, leading to renewed conflict in the Eighty Years' War and involvement in the Thirty Years' War. His centralization efforts and wartime taxation increases sparked revolts in Catalonia and Portugal, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo is a prominent Spanish journalist, historian, and politician known for her role in the People's Party. She has been a Member of the Congress of Deputies representing various constituencies and served as the Spokesperson for her party in Congress. Additionally, she has held positions such as Director of International Relations of FAES and has contributed to the daily newspaper El Mundo. With a strong background in journalism and politics, she continues to make significant contributions to public discourse and policy-making.

Isabel Diaz Ayuso is a Spanish politician and journalist currently serving as the president of the Community of Madrid since 2019. She is affiliated with the People's Party and holds key positions within the party's Madrilenian branch. As the regional candidate for president in the 2019 Madrilenian autonomous election, she later became the president of Madrid despite her party losing the election. Ayuso's administration marked significant changes, including the formation of a coalition government and the support of Vox in the autonomous executive.

Arancha González Laya is a distinguished Spanish lawyer and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in the Spanish government. She currently holds the esteemed position of dean at the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po. Prior to her ministerial role, she served as an assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and the executive director of the International Trade Centre. Her impressive career showcases a strong commitment to international relations and trade, making her a respected figure in the global arena.

Artur Mas i Gavarró is a Catalan politician who served as the president of the Government of Catalonia from 2010 to 2015 and as acting president from September 2015 to January 2016. He was a member of Democratic Convergence of Catalonia (CDC) and later became president of the party when it was refounded as PDeCAT in 2016. Mas is an economist with a degree from the University of Barcelona, fluent in English, French, Catalan, and Spanish. He is known for his liberal economic views and support for Catalan independence, playing a key role in CDC's shift towards separatism.

Infante Alfonso had a distinguished professional life as a Spanish prince, military aviator, and Duke of Galliera. He was known for his significant contributions to the military aviation field and his service to Spain. Infante Alfonso's role as a military aviator showcased his skills and dedication to his country. His close relationship with Alfonso XIII of Spain further emphasized his importance within the royal family and his commitment to serving his nation.

Emilio Mola y Vidal was a key figure in the Nationalist coup of July 1936 that sparked the Spanish Civil War. Following the death of Sanjurjo, Mola led the Nationalists in the north of Spain, coordinating with Franco in the south. He strategized to capture Madrid with his four columns and popularized the term "fifth column" to refer to local sympathizers within the city. Mola tragically perished in an air crash, leaving Franco as the primary Nationalist leader for the remainder of the conflict.

Pedro Duque is a Spanish astronaut and aeronautics engineer who has held various important roles in the fields of science, politics, and aerospace. He served as the Minister of Science in Spain from 2018 to 2021 and was a member of the Congress of Deputies representing Alicante. Additionally, he has taken on leadership positions such as being the chair of Hispasat since December 2023. Throughout his career, Duque has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

Inés Arrimadas García is a Spanish lawyer and former politician known for her roles as Member of the Congress of Deputies and Spokesperson of the Citizens party in the Congress. She previously led the party's branch in Catalonia before being elected as the party leader in 2020. Arrimadas began her political career as a consultant before joining the party in 2011. She served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Catalan Parliament from 2015 to 2019, showcasing her leadership and strategic abilities in the political arena.

Torcuato Fernández-Miranda y Hevia was a prominent Spanish lawyer and politician who held significant positions in the government during the Franco regime and played a crucial role in the transition to democracy in Spain. He was known for his diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex political situations. Fernández-Miranda's contributions were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of Spain during a crucial period of its history, and his legacy continues to be recognized for his efforts towards democratization and political reform.

Nadia Calviño is a Spanish economist and civil servant. She served as the Minister of Economy in Spain from June 2018 to December 2023, concurrently holding positions such as Deputy Prime Minister. Prior to her ministerial roles, she worked at the European Commission, ultimately serving as Director-General for Budget. In January 2024, she became the President of the European Investment Bank. Calviño's career has been marked by a focus on economic affairs, digital transformation, and budget management at both national and international levels.

Santiago Carrillo was a Spanish politician who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Spain from 1960 to 1982. He led a Republican militia during the Civil War and was responsible for maintaining public order in Madrid. Exiled during Franco's dictatorship, he became a key figure in the democratic opposition. Carrillo played a significant role in the transition to democracy, embracing Eurocommunism and democratic socialism. He was a member of the Congress of Deputies from 1977 to 1986.

Jorge Semprún Maura was a Spanish writer and politician primarily known for his work in France. During the Franco dictatorship, he organized for the exiled Communist Party of Spain, later serving as Minister of Culture in Spain's socialist government. Semprún was a screenwriter for films by Costa-Gavras, receiving Academy Award nominations for his work. He was the first non-French author elected to the Académie Goncourt and received prestigious literary prizes such as the Jerusalem Prize and the Ovid Prize.

Carlos Hugo, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, was the head of the ducal House of Bourbon-Parma from 1977 until his death. He was a Carlist claimant to the throne of Spain and led the Carlist Party, seeking to change its political direction. His marriage to Princess Irene of the Netherlands in 1964 caused a constitutional crisis in the Netherlands. Carlos Hugo was involved in the fatal Montejurra incidents during his time as the official head of the Carlist Party.

Francisco Serrano Domínguez, 1st Duke of la Torre, was a Spanish marshal and statesman known for his prominent roles in Spanish politics. He served as Prime Minister of Spain from 1868 to 1869 and also acted as regent from 1869 to 1870. With a distinguished military background, Serrano played a key role in various political and military affairs during a tumultuous period in Spanish history. His leadership and strategic decision-making contributed significantly to shaping the country's political landscape during his tenure in office.

Carlos Arias Navarro served as the Prime Minister of Spain during the concluding period of the Francoist regime and the initial phase of the Spanish transition to democracy. Initially known for his hardline stance, he was linked to the White Terror and signed numerous death warrants in the aftermath of the Spanish Republic's downfall. However, he displayed a more moderate approach during his tenure as prime minister, playing a significant role in the country's shift towards democracy.

Josep Tarradellas i Joan was a prominent Catalonian politician who served as the first president of the Government of Catalonia after its re-establishment in 1977. He was a key figure in the Republican Left of Catalonia, holding various positions within the Generalitat of Catalonia, including during the Spanish Civil War. Exiled to France in 1939, he later became President of the Generalitat of Catalonia in 1954. Tarradellas played a crucial role in negotiating the reestablishment of the Government of Catalonia after Franco's death, leaving a lasting legacy in Catalan politics.

José María Gil-Robles y Quiñones de León was a Spanish politician who led the CEDA and served as Minister of War. Following the defeat of CEDA in the 1936 elections, he dissolved the party and went into exile. In exile, he worked with Spanish monarchists to strategize on taking power in Spain. He later became a professor at the University of Oviedo and authored the book 'No fue posible la paz'. After Franco's death, he was a leader of the "Spanish Christian Democracy" party, though it did not gain significant support in the 1977 elections.

Laura Borràs i Castanyer is a Spanish philologist, academic, and politician from Catalonia. She studied Catalan philology at the University of Barcelona and became an academic, teaching at UB and the Open University of Catalonia. Borràs served as director of the Institució de les Lletres Catalanes from 2013 to 2018. She was a member of the Parliament of Catalonia and Minister of Culture of Catalonia. Borràs also served as a member of the Congress of Deputies.

Práxedes Mateo Sagasta was a Spanish civil engineer and politician who had a significant impact on his country's history. He served as Prime Minister on eight occasions between 1870 and 1902, always representing the Liberal Party. His leadership was part of the turno pacífico system, where power alternated between Liberal and Conservative leaders. Sagasta was known for his exceptional oratory skills, which helped him effectively communicate his political ideas and influence public opinion during his time in office.