Spain's government proposes academic Juan José Ganuza to lead competition watchdog CNMC
The Spanish government has nominated Juan José Ganuza, a professor at Pompeu Fabra University, to chair the National Commission on Markets and Competition, replacing Cani Fernández whose term expired last week. Three new council members were also proposed.
The nomination
On 23 June 2026, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved the proposal of Juan José Ganuza Fernández as the new president of the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC). He replaces Cani Fernández, whose six-year mandate expired on 16 June. The nomination was announced by government spokesperson Elma Saiz following the cabinet meeting.
Ganuza's profile
Ganuza, born in 1968, holds a degree in Physical Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid and a PhD in Economics from Carlos III University. He completed postdoctoral research at UCLA and the Institut d'Économie Industrielle in Toulouse. A professor at Pompeu Fabra University for nearly three decades, he has directed the Master's in Competition and Market Regulation at the Barcelona School of Economics. He also leads the Competition and Regulation division at Funcas and chairs the Economics Area of the State Research Agency. His academic work focuses on competition policy, market regulation, digital economy, and public procurement.
Council renewal
Alongside Ganuza, the government proposed three new council members: Carmen Balsa, an economist and state commercial technician; Joan Capdevila, a veterinarian with high-level public management training; and Marina Echebarría Sáenz, a professor of Commercial Law at the University of Valladolid and an LGTBI activist. They fill vacancies left by Josep Maria Salas and Carlos Aguilar, whose terms expired, and Pilar Sánchez, who resigned in January.
Parliamentary process
The four nominees must now appear before the Congress's Economy and Digital Transformation Committee, which will assess their suitability and absence of conflicts of interest. Approval requires a majority in the committee, where the government will likely need support from Junts, as the opposition PP and Vox are expected to vote against. Once cleared, they will be formally appointed by Royal Decree for a non-renewable six-year term.
Regulatory context
The CNMC oversees competition and regulation across strategic sectors including energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, audiovisual, and digital services. The appointment comes at a time when the authority has expanded its enforcement and sanctioning powers, making the leadership transition politically significant.
