Yolanda Díaz nominated as deputy director‑general of the International Labour Organization

Spain’s Minister of Labour and Social Economy and second vice‑president, Yolanda Díaz, has been put forward by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for the post of deputy director‑general of the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO). The role carries a salary of about €250,000 per year plus a cost‑of‑living supplement in Geneva.

The candidacy deadline is 31 August, with a presentation event on 23 September, private hearings on 9 November and a final vote scheduled for 16 November. If elected, Díaz would replace the current deputy director‑general, Celeste Drake, under the leadership of ILO Director‑General Gilbert F. Houngbo, whose term runs until 2027.

Spain has also approved a voluntary contribution of €1.7 million to the ILO, part of a broader package of funding for multilateral organisations. The nomination has sparked debate over the “revolving‑door” phenomenon, with some observers questioning whether former ministers should move into senior roles in international bodies that receive public funding.