Fátima Báñez

The death of former employment minister Fátima Báñez, 59, was confirmed by the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE), which she chaired.

“Her warmth, generosity, and commitment leave an indelible mark on businesses and the entire CEOE team,” it said in a statement.

Báñez served in the government under former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy from 2011 until 2018, and was the first woman to hold the role. In 2012, she introduced controversial labour reforms that made it easier for companies to fire people, sparking mass protests across the country.

Following news of her death, Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso paid tribute to her, saying she would be “deeply missed”.

“Spain loses a great political figure,” she said.