Antonio Garamendi, president of CEOE, has weighed in on the recent maneuver by Ferrovial to relocate its headquarters to the Netherlands, criticizing the opposition coming from the government while also urging a cooler head in the debate. He suggested that the moment calls for measured analysis rather than public furor, signaling that it is not productive to single out specific individuals or families for blame in what he views as a strategic corporate decision.
With Ferrovial receiving a green light from its board to proceed with the headquarters move, Garamendi acknowledged the manager’s final statements as part of a broader, respectful process. He noted that a clear majority of shareholders, around 93.3 percent, gave their backing to the direction the company was pursuing, a factor that Garamendi interpreted as a mandate from investors rather than a validation of every single policy detail. In his view, shareholder support underscores the legitimacy of corporate choices, even as the public conversation about the implications continues.
In a televised interview summarized for the audience, Garamendi expressed appreciation for the government’s restrained stance amid what he described as a strict business decision. He pointed out that foreign companies establishing a presence in Spain can bring benefits and opportunities, a sentiment he believes should guide national discourse. According to him, the arrival of new capital and expertise has the potential to energize the Spanish economy and generate positive spillovers across sectors, from construction to services, while also challenging domestic firms to raise standards and competitiveness.
Garamendi was asked whether the current debate could have been managed differently to avoid unnecessary controversy. He argued that a more balanced discussion would have helped all parties understand the broader context of corporate strategy, international financial markets, and the governance choices available to large multinationals. The emphasis, he suggested, should be on ongoing dialogue about investment climates, regulatory predictability, and the safeguards that protect workers, shareholders, and local communities alike.
On the question of legal certainty within Spain, Garamendi offered a nuanced assessment. He observed that while the legal framework generally supports business operations and cross-border arrangements, there has been a perception of increasing intrusiveness in regulatory processes. His remarks imply a call for clearer, more predictable rules that can reduce ambiguity for multinational companies considering strategic shifts. He emphasized that legal clarity matters not just for big corporations but for the broader economy, as it shapes confidence, investment decisions, and the capacity of Spanish firms to compete globally.
Throughout the discussion, Garamendi highlighted the broader implications of Ferrovial’s decision, stressing that the move should be viewed within the context of Spain’s evolving role in a global market. He suggested that the government, businesses, and investors share a common interest in maintaining a stable environment where strategic restructuring can occur without triggering excessive political backlash. In his view, constructive engagement among policymakers, corporate leadership, and the investment community is essential to navigate these complex waters and to ensure that Spain remains an attractive home for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.