A former Peruvian minister is ultimately running to compete with Yolanda Díaz and the current ILO director for the job.

Spain's international ambitions in key global institutions are shaping the final phase of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s legislative term, with three high-profile bids for leadership roles at the European Central Bank (ECB), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These efforts come amid political scrutiny over Sánchez’s domestic policies, particularly his stance on Gaza and immigration regularization, which some analysts say could affect Spain’s influence abroad. The government has been working behind the scenes to secure these positions, aiming to maintain its international profile despite domestic controversies. The bid for ILO leadership by Vice President Yolanda Díaz appears to be the most immediate challenge, with her facing off against current ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo, who was re-nominated by Togo’s government. While alternative candidates can still enter the race until August 31, Díaz’s campaign is already underway, focusing on securing support from member states and addressing concerns about the organization’s financial stability and strategic direction. Díaz’s campaign highlights the challenges facing the ILO under Houngbo’s leadership, citing issues such as unpaid funds from the United States and a lack of focus on emerging threats like artificial intelligence and climate change. Her team argues that she offers a fresh approach, emphasizing the need for stronger governance and new funding mechanisms. They also stress that Spain’s long-standing commitment to the ILO, being a founding member and having ratified more international labor conventions than any other country, gives Díaz a unique advantage. In addition to the ILO bid, Spain is also pushing for Luis Planas, the agriculture minister, to lead the FAO. This effort aligns with broader goals to strengthen agricultural policy and food security globally. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding Spain’s potential role in the ECB, though no formal candidate has yet been announced. These positions collectively represent a significant diplomatic and political investment by the Spanish government. The success of these bids will depend heavily on geopolitical dynamics and the preferences of member states. While Houngbo enjoys support from many African nations, Díaz’s team believes there are multiple factors influencing the vote, beyond mere geographical proximity. They argue that Spain’s active participation in the ILO and its track record in labor reforms provide a compelling case for Díaz’s candidacy. The process includes several key milestones, starting with an interactive public event on September 23 and a private meeting with the ILO Council of Administration on November 9. The final decision will be made during a secret ballot on November 16, with the winner taking office in October 2027. This timing means that whoever is elected will begin their tenure after Sánchez’s current legislative period ends, adding another layer of complexity to the selection process. The government’s recent successes in placing officials in influential EU roles, such as Nadia Calviño at the European Investment Bank and Teresa Ribera as competition commissioner, have bolstered confidence in its ability to secure international appointments. However, past attempts, including Calviño’s unsuccessful bid for the IMF presidency in 2019 and Carlos Cuerpo’s failed run for the Eurogroup chair last year, serve as reminders of the challenges ahead. As the final months of Sánchez’s term unfold, the outcome of these international bids will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. Success in these roles could reinforce Spain’s standing on the world stage, while failure might further complicate the government’s efforts to project soft power and influence beyond its borders.