Economist Pablo Vázquez Vega, advisor to the leader of the Popular Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and president of the main think tank linked to the political formation, Reformismo 21, passed away this Monday at the age of 60, according to Núñez Feijóo himself through his social networks.
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With a hardworking personality and a clear mind, two characteristics affectionately highlighted by the popular leader along with his kind character, Vázquez Vega held a law degree and a doctorate in Economics. Throughout his professional career, he was Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health between 2002 and 2004 with Ana Pastor, who years later brought him back as president of Renfe (2014-2016) when she was Minister of Development in Mariano Rajoy’s government. Born in Cáceres in 1965, Vázquez was also president of Ineco and executive director of the Foundation for Applied Economics Studies (Fedea).
In recent years, Vázquez took on a key role in the creation of Reformismo 21, the foundation intended to act as the ideological compass of the Popular Party after the disassociation of José María Aznar’s FAES Foundation from the party. Feijóo included him on the PP lists for Congress in the July 2023 elections, although he left the seat after six months to focus on leading and shaping the new think tank.
The foundation’s website explains that Reformismo 21 aims to contribute with projects and proposals to the country’s progress. Although directly linked to the PP, the foundation maintains a certain autonomy whereby organic positions of the Popular Party are not part of its management. “We are men and women with a vocation to work for the general interest and who share a concern to improve the legacy we leave to future generations,” says the description of the foundation of which Vázquez was the top leader.
In addition to Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s message, the PP’s secretary general, Miguel Tellado, referred in a press conference to Vázquez’s passing, whom he described as a “cultured, extraordinarily prepared man and above all a remarkable person.”
“A kind man, always willing to work and give his best to improve our country, which he loved so much, and to help this party, his party. He leaves us an indelible mark for his dedication and commitment,” he said. Numerous PP leaders have also echoed the news with messages of condolence and recognition on social networks.
The PP’s ‘think tank’
Reformismo 21, created in 2023, has its origins in the Christian Democratic foundation Humanismo y Democracia and the subsequent Fundación Concordia y Libertad, which was chaired by Adolfo Suárez Illana and focused on international cooperation.
Its advisory council is chaired by Feijóo himself and includes former PP ministers such as Fátima Báñez, Elena Pisonero, and Román Escolano. As the PP’s flagship foundation, it is subject to oversight by the Court of Auditors as it receives public subsidies.
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