Spain's CEOE to hold leadership election on Oct. 1

The Spanish business confederation CEOE announced that its internal elections will take place on 1 October. Incumbent president Antonio Garamendi will seek a third consecutive term after the organization removed statutory term‑limits in 2023.

Several major sectoral and regional groups have signaled support for Garamendi, while the possibility of an alternative candidacy remains open. The vote occurs amid an investigation by the Independent Authority for Whistleblower Protection (AIPI), which has granted protected status to a former CEOE executive accusing the leadership of election irregularities, conflicts of interest and lack of transparency.

The election season is also straining CEOE’s relations with other social partners. Trade unions say the vote postpones negotiations for a new State Agreement on Collective Bargaining, and the Ministry of Labour, led by Vice‑President Yolanda Díaz, has reported deteriorating dialogue with the CEOE board.