Quick Facts
Biography
Fernando Morán (born 25 March 1926) is a Spanish diplomat and politician who served as the minister of foreign affairs from 1982 to 1985.
Early life and education
Morán was born in Avilés, Asturias, on 25 March 1926. His parents were civil engineers.
He studied in law in Madrid. He attended the Institute of International Studies in Paris and London School of Economics.
Career
Morán was a career diplomat. He founded the opposition group, namely the Popular Socialist Party, and established "Grupo Tierno" in Salamanca during the Franco era. Then he became a member of the Socialist party and the main foreign policy analyst of the party. In 1978 he was elected senator representing the Asturian constituency.
He served as the minister of foreign affairs in the first cabinet of Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales. On 4 July 1985, Morán was fired and was succeeded by Francisco Fernández Ordóñez in the post in a cabinet reshuffle. Morán's anti-NATO position led to his dismissal.
From 1985 to 1987 Morán served as the Spanish representative at the United Nations. In 1987, he became the head of the Socialist party group at the European Parliament. He continued to serve at the parliament for two further terms and his tenure ended in 1999. During his term he chaired the committee on institutional affairs from 22 July 1994 to 15 January 1997.
Views and activities
During his term as foreign minister Morán was among those who successfully lobbied for entrance of Spain to the European Union. In addition, he negotiated the Spain's entrance to the Union. In 1984, he also successfully negotiated the Brussels Agreement for Spain. On the other hand, he strongly objected to the continuation of Spain's membership to NATO. He was one of Spain's pro-Arab foreign ministers.
Work
Morán is the author of several novels, poetry and books on literary criticism. One of his books, Luz al fondo del túnel, was published in 1999. He also published his biography in 2002 with the title of Palimpsesto: a modo de memorias.