Vlada pridobi podporo svojih partnerjev za šestletno podaljšanje mandata Odbora za konkurenco brez PP

The Spanish government has secured the backing of its political allies to renew the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) for six years, bypassing the opposition of the Popular Party (PP). The vote, held in the Congress of Deputies, passed with 19 votes in favor and 17 against, declaring Juan José Ganuza, Carmen Balsa, Joan Capdevila, and Marina Echebarria fit for their respective roles within the commission. This move comes despite the absence of Junts, which previously placed one of its members on the commission during the last renewal. The PP and Vox did not challenge Ganuza’s qualifications, though they expressed concerns over his independence from the government and that of other commissioners. Ganuza, who will replace current president Cani Fernández, has stated he does not belong to any political party and has been both supportive and critical of government decisions during his tenure at Funcas. His wife is a distant cousin of Carlos Cuerpo, the first deputy prime minister. While the PP's spokesperson, Miguel Ángel Paniagua, did not question Ganuza’s credentials or his familial ties, he criticized the acceptance of the position given that several of the commissioners he inherits or works alongside are deemed unsuitable for the role. “Accepting this position does not add anything positive to his evaluation,” Paniagua remarked. Ganuza pledged to serve in an independent manner, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the CNMC operates free from political influence. Balsa avoided answering questions regarding her stance on independence, while Capdevila and Echebarria assured that they would not act under the direction of political parties. Capdevila went so far as to tell representatives from Vox and the PP that it would take six years for them to realize how wrong they were. He even claimed awareness that the CNMC is considered a state institution. Ganuza raised doubts about whether the CNMC is structured appropriately and did not rule out the possibility of splitting the commission into a new National Energy Commission, a proposal made by the government. However, he emphasized that such a decision was not his responsibility. He also distanced himself subtly from his predecessor, Cani Fernández, stating that he always worked in favor of competition from the public sector, thus claiming no conflict of interest. In contrast, Fernández had previously worked for private clients before assuming leadership of the CNMC six years ago. The appointment of these individuals marks a significant shift in the composition of the CNMC, reflecting the government’s strategic alignment with its coalition partners. The absence of Junts facilitated the inclusion of new members, highlighting the complex interplay of political alliances and institutional governance. As the new commissioners begin their terms, their ability to maintain independence from political pressures will be crucial in shaping the future of regulatory oversight in Spain’s markets and competition landscape.