Spain restructures CNMC with new Chief Economist role

The Spanish government has modified the organic statute of the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) to restructure its technical leadership. According to a Royal Decree published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the regulator will introduce a new high-level position: Chief Economist.

Reporting directly to the president, the Chief Economist will possess full functional autonomy to advise on economic matters during competition, regulation, and supervision proceedings. The role includes designing common methodologies, managing large datasets through analytical tools, and fostering links with the academic and scientific communities.

Additionally, the decree establishes a new Sub-directorate of Economic Intelligence. This unit will utilize advanced economic analysis and artificial intelligence to handle increasing volumes of data. The government noted that the expansion of the CNMC’s competencies, particularly in analyzing the impact of crisis measures following the conflict in the Middle East, necessitated this technical reinforcement.