Partner organizations of major Spanish employers are convened to an electoral board on November 23 to choose a new president for the next four years. The current leader of the business group, Antonio Garamendi, confirmed his intention to run again for leadership in a message shared on social media. It remains to be seen whether, during pivotal moments in the legislature, internal differences within the employers’ union will provoke an alternative candidacy aimed at challenging him.
After consulting with various bodies that make up the CEO, Garamendi announced his plan to renew the mandate for the coming four years. In business circles, Garamendi’s re-election seemed almost expected, although the incumbent has not publicly confirmed such plans until now. With his formal statement on Wednesday, the path is open for a renewed leadership period, while ATA, the federation representing self-employed workers, indicated it would back Garamendi, voting unanimously at the board meeting that day.
Garamendi has not enjoyed unwavering support since taking the helm. Internal differences reflect a diverse federation with regional and sectoral distinctions. The early years of his tenure featured numerous social dialogue agreements with trade unions and the government. He supported a wage increase that raised the minimum to 900 euros and cooperated on pandemic-related measures, balancing multiple competing interests across the economy.
A defining moment of his first term was a decisive yes to labor reform. This stance drew criticism from segments of the workforce development sector, Madrid-based employers, the automotive industry, and agriculture, yet Garamendi’s approach ultimately prevailed. The strategy aimed to minimize disruption by allowing the government to implement regulatory changes, while the union preferred to negotiate rather than oppose reform directly.
His remarks on amnesty for pro-independence prisoners, seen by some as a government-driven move, sparked further contention both inside and outside the organization. Critics argued he should have taken a firmer line regarding the government’s decision. This period also coincided with difficult relations between Garamendi and figures from the People’s Party. Knowledgeable observers note that leaders within the PP have been discussed as potential successors to Garamendi for the upcoming November vote. Still, the political reshaping led by Feijóo and Ayuso ultimately altered those plans, reshaping the field of possible candidates for the CEO presidency.