Fernando Grande-Marlaska discusses personal challenges and family history

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has reflected on the personal difficulties he faced regarding his sexual orientation and the impact of terrorism in the Basque Country.

In various interviews and his book, ‘Ni pena ni miedo’, Marlaska detailed that when he came out as gay at age 35, his mother did not speak to him for six years and remained indoors for 15 days. He credited his mother, Ángela, a seamstress, as a primary influence and role model in his life.

Additionally, the Minister touched upon his professional background, noting his early career in the judiciary in Cantabria and his subsequent tenure as a judge at the Audiencia Nacional, where he succeeded Baltasar Garzón.