De Guindos is a favorite of Angela Merkel because he has guided Spain’s recorvery from economic crisis.  His future in Spain, however, is uncertain.

De Guindos has pushed through tough structural reforms.

Spain’s economy has returned to growth and its economy minister, Luis de Guindos, has earned plaudits from the country’s eurozone partners for pushing through tough structural reforms. Yet with national elections to take place in twelve months, de Guindos’s political future on the domestic front is far from certain.

When Mariano Rajoy, Spain’s prime minister, put together his first cabinet in December 2011 he split in two the economic portfolio that had previously been occupied by the socialist Elena Salgado. De Guindos, 54, was made minister for the economy, while Cristóbal Montoro became minister of finance. Rajoy thus rewarded two men who had assiduously advised him on economic matters when in opposition.   De Guindos of Spain