Pilar Alegría Steps Down as Minister to Run for Presidency of Aragon

Pilar Alegría, the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, as well as the government's spokesperson, announced her resignation on Tuesday. This decision comes shortly after she revealed her candidacy for the presidency of Aragon in the upcoming regional elections set for February 8. In a heartfelt tweet shared on her official X account coinciding with the Council of Ministers meeting, Alegría expressed her gratitude for being part of the government over the past four years. She mentioned, "What an enormous privilege and what eternal pride it has been to contribute to the improvement of education, vocational training, and sports in my country. I have been very happy, but now I embark on my most exciting journey. I return to my home in Aragon with all the resolve and strength to work on social, economic, and rights improvements in my land." Alegría's tenure as Minister started in November 2023, but her involvement in education policy dates back even further, having previously served between July 2021 and November 2023. After her resignation, the spotlight now shifts to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is expected to appoint a new minister and government spokesperson. During a holiday gathering at Moncloa on Monday, Sánchez hinted that the spokesperson role would again be filled by a woman, with potential candidates including Elma Saiz, Diana Morant, or Sara Aagesen. Born in Zaragoza, Pilar Alegría holds a degree in Education, specializing in Primary Education, from the University of Zaragoza, along with a Master's Degree in Advanced Studies in Social Education from the Complutense University. She has had a notable career in politics, serving as a member of Congress during both the IX and X legislatures between 2008 and 2015. In 2015, she was appointed as Minister of Innovation, Research, and University in the Aragon Government, while also being a deputy in the regional parliament until 2019. Following her municipal candidacy for Zaragoza in 2019, which resulted in a significant victory for her party, she continued her political journey as the spokesperson for the socialist group in the City Council and later became the Government Delegate until July 2021. Now, as she transitions into this new phase of her political career, Alegría will compete against the popular candidate Jorge Azcón for the presidency of Aragon. The Regional Executive Commission of PSOE Aragon approved the primary election calendar on Tuesday, setting the submission of pre-candidacies until December 16. The endorsement process follows suit until December 19, with candidates expected to be proclaimed on December 20. Should there be multiple candidates, an information campaign will occur until December 26, with voting scheduled for December 27 and the winner announced on December 28. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2