From Splendens to the Sun Gate: the business network that MAR concentrated before handing it over to his daughter
Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, a prominent figure in Spanish politics associated with both the conservative Popular Party and the regional government of Madrid under Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has had a long-standing career in business alongside his political roles. Over decades, he held numerous positions across various companies in advertising, communication, media, and audiovisual production. His business activities were largely centered around Splendens Ibérica, a company he founded and expanded through several acquisitions. Between 2018 and 2019, Rodríguez consolidated his business interests under this entity, bringing together multiple firms involved in publishing, film production, and digital content. By early 2020, after becoming a senior advisor to Ayuso, Rodríguez stepped down from administrative roles at these companies, transferring them to his daughter, Clara Rodríguez Ilárraz. This transition occurred amid increased scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest between his business ventures and his political responsibilities.
The Partido Popular (PP) in Madrid has shown a unified stance behind President Isabel Díaz Ayuso following the controversy surrounding the purchase of a property in Chamberí, a district in central Madrid. The situation has intensified as the regional assembly prepares to dissolve within seven months, setting the stage for autonomous elections scheduled for May 23, 2027. This period typically brings internal tensions within political parties as they prepare electoral lists and consider candidates for regional and municipal positions. Within the PP, dissent is rare, especially during such critical times. However, some members have acknowledged that supporting Ayuso through this particular controversy was particularly challenging. Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, who serves as head of the cabinet under Ayuso, has been at the center of scrutiny due to his business dealings. His career spans decades, beginning with his role as a spokesperson for former Prime Minister José María Aznar's government and continuing into his current position as a key advisor to Ayuso. Over the years, Rodríguez built a substantial network of companies, many focused on media, advertising, and communications. These include firms such as Carat Spain, Secuoya Group of Communication, iPhone Media, and NetThink Iberia, where he held roles ranging from board member to president and vice-president. Rodriguez’s corporate activities were notably centralized around Splendens Ibérica, a company he founded. Between 2018 and 2019, he streamlined his business operations, consolidating several entities under Splendens Ibérica. By early 2020, after officially joining Ayuso’s administration, Rodriguez stepped down from administrative roles in his main companies, passing them to his daughter, Clara Rodríguez Ilárraz. This transition marked a shift in his professional focus, aligning more closely with his governmental duties while maintaining a presence in the communication sector. Rodríguez’s involvement in the media and advertising industries has long been a point of interest. From 1999 to 2006, he served as president of Carat Spain, one of the leading media agencies. His career has included numerous roles across different sectors, accumulating over 40 positions in nearly 20 companies according to records published in 2020. These roles spanned diverse areas including publishing, audiovisual production, real estate, and branding. Despite the breadth of his business interests, much of his activity remained concentrated in the fields of communication and media. The controversy involving the Chamberí property has brought renewed attention to Rodríguez’s business practices. While the specifics of the transaction remain unclear, the timing of the purchase and its implications for Ayuso’s leadership have raised questions among critics. The PP’s decision to support Ayuso despite these concerns reflects the party's strategic alignment ahead of upcoming elections. Internal discussions suggest that while there are reservations, the consensus is to maintain unity around Ayuso’s leadership. Esperanza Aguirre, a former president of the Community of Madrid and a prominent figure within the PP, recently addressed the issue publicly. During an appearance on Telecinco’s program Vamos a ver, she spoke candidly about Rodríguez, suggesting that the situation might involve some level of misunderstanding or misjudgment. Her comments, though critical, did not directly challenge Ayuso’s leadership, highlighting the delicate balance within the party as it navigates both internal dynamics and external scrutiny. Aguirre’s remarks underscored the complexity of maintaining party cohesion amid ongoing controversies.
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