Sánchez replaces Montero and appoints Carlos Cuerpo first deputy prime minister and Arcadi España to Finance

Government reshuffle: María Jesús Montero leaves the Treasury to lead the PSOE in Andalusia

The Spanish Government faces key changes in the middle of spring. María Jesús Montero is leaving her post to focus on the Andalusian elections. Pedro Sánchez appoints Carlos Cuerpo and Arcadi España to strategic positions. The move affects the national political agenda.

Political tensions in Spain are intensifying with an unexpected turn that directly affects the country's economic management. María Jesús Montero, until now First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has decided to leave the government to head the PSOE candidacy in the forthcoming Andalusian elections on 17 May. This move not only reshapes the national political landscape, but also creates uncertainty about the direction of fiscal policy at a key moment for economic recovery.

Confirmed facts (26 Mar 2026)

María Jesús Montero leaves the First Deputy Prime Minister/Finance posts (last Council of Ministers meeting 24 Mar); PSOE candidate in Andalusia for the 17 May elections (departure “imminent” for campaigning/public healthcare; retains her seat in Congress). Pedro Sánchez appoints: Carlos Cuerpo (currently Economy Minister) First Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy; Arcadi España (former Secretary of State for Territorial Policy/Valencian regional minister) Minister of Finance. 2026 General State Budget ready for successor

Pedro Sánchez has responded immediately, announcing the appointment of Carlos Cuerpo as the new First Deputy Prime Minister and Arcadi España to take charge of the finance portfolio. Both will take up their duties in a context marked by market pressure and the need to maintain budgetary stability. The news has prompted reactions across the board, from ministerial offices to the streets of major cities, where the significance of these changes for people's everyday lives is being felt.

In Barcelona, the news is being followed particularly closely, as any change in national fiscal policy can have direct repercussions for the funding of infrastructure, public services and urban projects. The appointment of new officials to Finance and the deputy premiership raises questions about possible adjustments to resource allocation and the delivery of key investments for the city and its metropolitan area.

María Jesús Montero has been one of the most influential figures in Spanish economic policy in recent years. Her time at the Ministry of Finance has been characterised by managing budgets during crises and negotiating European funds. Her experience and willingness to engage in dialogue have enabled her to navigate moments of high political tension, consolidating her standing as a leading figure within the PSOE and in institutional circles.