Ramón Rubial facts for kids

Ramón Rubial Cavia (born October 28, 1906, died May 24, 1999) was an important Spanish political leader. He was a key figure in the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). This party believes in socialist ideas, which focus on fairness and equality for everyone. Ramón Rubial was especially important in the Basque Country region of Spain.

Early Life and Political Start

Ramón was born in Erandio, a town in Biscay, Spain. He worked as a metal worker.

He joined a big workers' union called the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) in 1920. Two years later, in 1922, he became a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).

In 1934, he was involved in a large workers' strike by miners in Asturias. Because of this, he was held for seven months on a ship used as a prison. He was later sentenced to seven years in prison, but he was set free early. This happened after a group called the Popular Front won the election in 1936.

Role in the Spanish Civil War

During the Spanish Civil War, Ramón Rubial supported the Second Spanish Republic. He became a leader in the XV Brigade, helping to organize and guide soldiers.

In February 1937, he was captured and held in prison in Asturias. Later, in 1940, he was sentenced to fourteen years in jail.

Rebuilding and Leadership

Ramón Rubial was released from prison in August 1956. After his release, he began to secretly reorganize the PSOE and UGT. He worked underground to bring these groups back together in the Basque Country and across Spain.

In 1976, he became the President of the PSOE. The next year, in 1977, Spain held its first democratic elections. Ramón Rubial was elected as a senator for Biscay. He also served as the Second Vice President of the Spanish Senate.

On February 7, 1978, Ramón Rubial was chosen to be the President of the General Basque Council. This council was important because it helped prepare the Basque Country to become an autonomous region again. He held this position until 1979, when Carlos Garaikoetxea was elected.

Family Life

In 1944, Ramón married Emilia Cachorro. She used to work for the government in the agriculture department. They were married until Emilia passed away in 1982.

Their daughter, Lentxu, was also born in 1944. However, because Ramón was in prison, he did not meet his daughter until 1956.

Ramón Rubial passed away in Bilbao in 1999. He was 92 years old.

Images for kids

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  Statue outside the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao