Víctor Damián Sáez facts for kids

Víctor Damián Sáez was an important Spanish priest and politician. He was born on April 12, 1776, in Budia and passed away on February 3, 1839, in Sigüenza. Víctor Damián Sáez held several significant roles. He was a canon (a type of priest) in Sigüenza and Toledo. He also became a bishop in Tortosa. Most notably, he was the personal confessor (someone who hears confessions and gives advice) to King Ferdinand VII. In 1823, King Ferdinand VII chose him to be the Secretary of State, which was like being the Prime Minister of Spain. He was the very first person to lead the new Council of Ministers in 1823.

Biography of Víctor Damián Sáez

Early Life and Role with the King

Víctor Damián Sáez was very close to the people who believed in absolute monarchy. This meant they thought the king should have all the power. He was a trusted advisor to King Ferdinand VII.

During a time called the Liberal Triennium (from 1820 to 1823), Spain had a more liberal government. People who supported this government tried to keep Víctor Damián Sáez away from the king. But when this constitutional government ended in 1823, Damián Sáez quickly returned to power.

In April 1823, just before the end of the Liberal Triennium, the King made him the acting First Secretary of State. This job allowed him to lead the effort to bring back the king's absolute power. He was very strict in this role. Some more moderate supporters of the king even asked the King to remove him. They did this because other powerful countries, known as the Holy Alliance, were concerned about how harsh he was.

Becoming Prime Minister

When King Ferdinand VII returned to Spain on October 1, 1823, he confirmed Damián Sáez as his Minister of State. Then, on November 19, the King officially named Damián Sáez as Prime Minister. He also created the Council of Ministers at this time. Damián Sáez was the first person to lead this new council.

However, when the King arrived in Madrid on December 2, he removed Damián Sáez from his position as Prime Minister. This happened because foreign countries were protesting. They were worried about how strictly Damián Sáez was treating people who had supported the previous liberal government.

Later Life and Legacy

After King Ferdinand VII died in 1833, Víctor Damián Sáez faced accusations. People said he supported the King's brother, Infante Carlos María Isidro, who wanted to become king instead of the young Queen Isabella II. Queen Isabella II was only three years old at the time.

Víctor Damián Sáez's brother and nephew sought safety with him in Sigüenza. He had to hide on the ground floor of a friend's house. He soon became ill and passed away there. After the First Carlist War ended, his nephew returned to Sigüenza. He wanted to give his uncle a proper burial. Víctor Damián Sáez was then buried in the Tortosa Cathedral.

See also

In Spanish: Víctor Damián Sáez para niños