Biography:

Born in Madrid on June 7th, 1946, he is married and has three children. He holds a degree in law from the University of Seville.

He has been a technical labour inspector since 1979, and has held posts in Saragossa, Seville and Madrid.

He was a lecturer in labour law at the Law Faculty in the University of Seville from 1972 to 1975.

In 1982, he was appointed vice-councillor for labour and social security with the Andalusian regional government, and in 1986, vice-councillor for health, also with the Andalusian government.

In 1987, he was appointed technical secretary general at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, a post he held until may 1990.

From July that year he took charge of the post of councillor for health with the Andalusian government until January 1992, when he was appointed minister of health.

On July 14th, 1993, he was appointed minister of Labour (Employment) and Social Security.