Marcelino Oreja, 1st Marquess of Oreja facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Marquess of Oreja
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Oreja in 2014
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| European Commissioner for Transport | |
| In office 1994–1995 |
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| President | Jacques Delors |
| Preceded by | Abel Matutes |
| Succeeded by | Neil Kinnock |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 7 July 1976 – 8 September 1980 |
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| Prime Minister | Adolfo Suárez |
| Preceded by | José María de Areilza, Count of Motrico |
| Succeeded by | José Pedro Pérez-Llorca |
| Secretary General of the Council of Europe | |
| In office 1 October 1984 – 1 June 1989 |
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| Preceded by | Franz Karasek |
| Succeeded by | Catherine Lalumière |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 February 1935 Madrid, Spanish Republic |
| Political party | People's Party |
| Other political affiliations |
Union of the Democratic Centre |
| Parent | Marcelino Oreja Elósegui |
Marcelino Oreja Aguirre, born on February 13, 1935, is a well-known Spanish lawyer, diplomat, and politician. He has held many important roles in Spain and across Europe. He served as Spain's Foreign Minister from 1976 to 1980. Later, he became the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. He was also a member of the European Parliament and a European Commissioner.
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Marcelino Oreja's Early Life and Career
Marcelino Oreja was born in Madrid, Spain, on February 13, 1935. His father was Marcelino Oreja Elósegui.
In May 1973, he helped start a group called the Grupo Tácito. This group was made up of thinkers, politicians, and journalists. They wanted to help Spain become a democracy after a long period of dictatorship.
The group was active during a time of big change in Spain, from 1973 to 1976. Oreja chose the name "Tácito" after a Roman historian. This name meant that not everything could be said openly due to rules at the time.
Key Roles in Spanish and European Politics
Serving as Foreign Minister of Spain
Marcelino Oreja served as Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs from July 5, 1976, until 1980. This was a very important time for Spain.
In July 1976, he worked to change an old agreement Spain had with the Holy See (the Vatican). This led to new agreements that helped separate the church and the government in Spain. The Spanish leader no longer chose Roman Catholic bishops.
Two months later, Oreja signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Spain. This showed Spain's commitment to human rights around the world.
Spain Joins the Council of Europe
On November 24, 1977, Marcelino Oreja signed an agreement in Strasbourg for Spain to join the Council of Europe. This was a big step for Spain.
The European Convention on Human Rights then became law in Spain on October 4, 1979. This meant that human rights were protected by law in Spain.
Leading the Council of Europe
From 1984 to 1989, Oreja was the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This is a top job, where he helped guide the organization. The Council of Europe works to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.
Work in the European Parliament and Commission
In 1989, he was elected to the European Parliament. He served there until June 28, 1993. The European Parliament is where elected representatives from different European countries work together.
In 1994, Oreja was appointed a European Commissioner. He first worked on transport and energy issues. Later, he became the European Commissioner for how the European Union connects with people and other institutions.
Life After Political Office
After his time as a European Commissioner, Marcelino Oreja retired from active political life. He returned to Spain.
He continued to be involved in many important activities. He became the head of the Institute for European Studies at CEU San Pablo University. He also served as Vice-Chair of the BBV Foundation. He received honorary doctorates from the University of Zaragoza and the University of Seville in 1996.
Other Important Activities
- He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Elcano Royal Institute, which studies international and strategic issues.
- He is a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences (RACMP).
- He is also a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation (RAJL).
Special Recognition
On April 8, 2010, Marcelino Oreja was given the title of Marquess of Oreja. This is a special honor in Spain.
Images for kids
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Oreja in 2014
See also
In Spanish: Marcelino Oreja Aguirre para niños
