Spain's CNMC renews leadership and pushes market reforms

CNMC leadership renewal flexible demand permits bankruptcy administration CNMV simplification

The Congress of Deputies approved the government's slate of candidates to refresh the Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC). Juan José Ganuza Fernández was confirmed as the new president, with three new counselors—former ERC deputy Joan Capdevila, economist Carmen Balsa, and Marina Echebarría—joining existing members.

Ganuza highlighted priorities such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, public procurement and merger control, while emphasizing the regulator’s independence. The appointment passed narrowly (19‑17) after opposition parties Popular and Vox voiced concerns about transparency and political influence.

In parallel, the CNMC reopened a public hearing on flexible demand access permits for the electricity grid, extending the comment period to 17 July 2026 and adjusting technical thresholds. The regulator also issued a report on a draft decree governing bankruptcy administrators, recommending stricter proportionality tests, clearer remuneration criteria and greater specialization.

The agency participated in the European Media Services Board plenary, with vice‑president Ángel García Castillejo and counselor Carlos Aguilar in attendance.

Separately, the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) launched a public consultation to simplify rules for asset‑management firms, proposing the repeal of nine circulars and the easing of internal‑control and prospectus requirements, aligning with a broader EU drive to reduce regulatory burden.