Quick Facts
Biography
Matilde Fernández (born 24 January 1950) is a Spanish social feminist and politician who served as minister of social affairs of Spain from 1988 to 1993.
Early life
Fernández was born on 24 January 1950 in Madrid.
Career
Fernández was a member and the leader of the labor union movement. She joined the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), being part of the reformist group within it. In 1984, she became a member of the PSOE's federal executive committee and was appointed head of the secretariat for women’s participation.
She was appointed minister of social affairs in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales in 1988. Fernández became the first minister of social affairs since the ministry was established by her appointment. She was backed by the PSOE group led by Alfonso Guerra. She was replaced by Cristina Alberdi in the post in 1993. In the Spanish Congress, she represented Cantabria from 1989 to 2000. In 2000, she ran for the PSOE presidency, but lost election to Jose Luis Zapatero. Her candidacy was backed by the faction called guerristas.