The ‘iron lady’ of Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre, head of the regional government of Madrid for the past nine years and considered by many to be a possible successor to Mariano Rajoy as party (PP) leader, stepped down on Monday citing ‘personal reasons’ for her surprise decision.
The sudden decision by 60-year-old Aguirre took everyone by surprise as she convened a press conference to announce her decision to resign from her posts as deputy in the regional assembly and regional premier.
She said, ‘I have reached the conclusion that it is an appropriate moment to step down’, tears in her eyes. Deputy regional premier Ignacio González will take over the Madrid government.
Esperanza Aguirre met with Prime Minister Mariono Rajoy before making her announcement, leading to speculation that at least part of the reason for leaving her post as regional premier could be politically motivated.