Former Spanish deputy prime minister Pedro Solbes died on Saturday at the age of 80, socialist sources and sources close to the family tell Efe.
Solbes was Secretary of State for the European Communities when Spain’s accession to the European Union (EU) was negotiated, held this position between 1985 and 1991, then Minister of Agriculture (1991-1993) and of Economy in the governments led by the socialist Felipe González.
He returned as Minister of Economy and Deputy Prime Minister in the government led by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (2004-2009). For the past five years he has been European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.
As European Commissioner, he oversaw the process that completed the introduction of the euro, which was adopted as a common currency by 12 countries on 1 January 2000.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this is “a sad day for the socialist family” and defined Solbes as “a statesman committed to serving his country and defending social democratic values”.
Today is a sad day for the socialist family. Leave us Pedro Solbes, a statesman committed to serving his country and defending social-democratic values. Example of commitment to Spain and the European project.
A hug to your family and friends. See you forever, compañero. pic.twitter.com/Dodxgs2TKt
– Pedro Sanchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 18, 2023
“Example of dedication to Spain and the European project. Hugs to your family and friends. See you forever, mate,” Sánchez wrote on Twitter.
Zapatero also emphasized the figure of Solbes and, in a statement, believed that he had the best qualities that can be attributed to an official: “seriousness, scrupulousness, reliability and honesty”.
Source: DN
