Gonzalo Santonja facts for kids
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Gonzalo Santonja Gómez-Agero (born October 12, 1952) is a Spanish writer, politician, professor, and literary critic. Since 2022, he has been the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sport in the regional government of Junta of Castile and León. He was appointed to this role by the Vox political party.
About Gonzalo Santonja
Gonzalo Santonja was born in Béjar, a town in the Province of Salamanca, Spain. When he was younger, he was involved with the Communist Party of Spain (PCE). During the final years of Francoist Spain, a period of strict government rule, he faced difficulties and briefly moved to France before returning to Spain.
He was a close friend of the famous poet Rafael Alberti and helped with the foundation named after him. Santonja is married to Dolores Grimau.
His Work and Achievements
Gonzalo Santonja is a respected member of several important language academies. These include the Academia Argentina de Letras (Argentine Academy of Letters), the North American Academy of the Spanish Language, and the Philippine Academy of the Spanish Language.
He has written many books, more than 30 essays, and five books about the history of bullfighting, a traditional Spanish activity that he supports. He used to be a professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, which is a well-known university in Spain. He also directed the Instituto Castellano y Leonés de la Lengua, an important cultural institution.
Becoming a Minister
In March 2022, Gonzalo Santonja was chosen to be the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sport. He joined the government of Castile and León as part of the Vox party, which was a partner in the regional government. In this role, he helps manage cultural activities, promote tourism, and support sports in the region.
