Felipe González

Felipe González Márquez, born in Seville, Spain, is one of the most influential politicians in Spain's contemporary history. A law graduate from the University of Seville, González joined the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in 1964, during the Franco dictatorship, when the party was operating underground.

In 1974, he was elected secretary general of the PSOE at the Suresnes Congress, where he began its transformation into a mass party, moving away from Marxism to adopt a social democratic stance. His leadership was fundamental during Spain's democratic transition after the death of Francisco Franco in 1975.

In 1982, following the victory of the PSOE in the general elections, Felipe González became Prime Minister of Spain, a position he held until 1996. During his term of office, he carried out important economic and social reforms, modernizing the country and fully integrating it into the European Community, now the European Union. His government also promoted public health, education and infrastructure, contributing to Spain's economic and social development.

González was re-elected in 1986, 1989 and 1993, consolidating one of the longest periods of governmental stability in the country's recent history. However, his last years in power were marked by corruption scandals and accusations of abuse of power that eroded his popularity and led to the defeat of the PSOE in 1996.

After leaving the presidency, Gonzalez has maintained an active career as a lecturer and international consultant, as well as publishing several books on politics and economics. His legacy continues to be debated, but his crucial role in the modernization and democratization of Spain is undeniable.