Julián García Vargas, former Spanish Minister of Health and Defense, dies

Julián García Vargas, a former Spanish Minister of Health and Defense under the governments of Felipe González, has passed away at the age of 81. Born in Madrid in 1945, García Vargas was a prominent economist and civil servant who played a significant role in the Spanish socialist administrations.

As Minister of Health and Consumption from 1986 to 1991, he oversaw the implementation of the General Health Law, the configuration of the National Health System, and the management of the HIV/AIDS crisis. In 1991, he transitioned to the Ministry of Defense, a position he held until 1995. During his tenure in defense, he was involved in the modernization of the Armed Forces, the reorganization of the Army through the 'Plan Norte', and the management of military service reforms.

His political career concluded following the CESID illegal wiretapping scandal, which led to his resignation from the government in 1995.