Gerardo Iglesias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerardo Iglesias
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| Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Spain |
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| In office 10 December 1982 – 21 February 1988 |
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| Preceded by | Santiago Carrillo |
| Succeeded by | Julio Anguita |
| Member of the Congress of Deputies | |
| In office 1986–1989 |
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| Constituency | Madrid |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 June 1945 El Cerezal, Mieres, Spain |
| Political party | PCE (1950s–1988); IU |
| Occupation | Miner, politician, trade unionist |
Gerardo Iglesias Argüelles, born on June 29, 1945, is a Spanish retired politician and miner. He was an important leader of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) from 1982 to 1988. He also worked as a miner for many years.
Contents
The Life of Gerardo Iglesias
Early Life and Work
Gerardo Iglesias was born on June 29, 1945, in El Cerezal, a small town in Mieres, Spain. His family were miners. He started working at a young age. At 12, he was a builder. By age 15, he was working in coal mines. Even as a teenager, he joined the Communist Party of Spain (PCE). At that time, the party was not allowed in Spain.
Standing Up for Change
During the time of the Francoist dictatorship in Spain, Gerardo Iglesias spent much of his youth in prison. This was because he was active in politics and opposed the government. He later became a member of the PCE's main committee.
After the dictatorship ended, Spain began a period called the Spanish transition to democracy. During this time, Gerardo Iglesias became a leader. He led the Asturian branch of a workers' union called Comisiones Obreras. He also led the PCE's group in Asturias.
Becoming a Political Leader
In 1982, Gerardo Iglesias took over from Santiago Carrillo as the main leader of the PCE. In June 1986, there was a general election in Spain. Iglesias was chosen to be a member of the 3rd Congress of Deputies. This is like being a member of parliament. He represented Madrid.
He ran as a candidate for a new group called United Left (IU). The PCE was part of this new group.
Later Years
Gerardo Iglesias stepped down as the leader of the PCE in March 1988. He left the party completely in November 1988. This was because he had disagreements with the new leader, Julio Anguita.
He briefly served as the first coordinator of the United Left group. But then he also gave that role to Anguita. In 1989, he decided to go back to working in the mine.
He had an accident while working in the mine shafts. He had also had surgery for a back problem. Because he had not fully recovered, he asked for permanent disability benefits in 1990. These benefits were approved in 1992.
See also
In Spanish: Gerardo Iglesias para niños
