Spain’s new socialist prime minister has appointed 11 women and six men to his cabinet, saying his new government is “unmistakably committed to equality” and intends to reflect recent changes in Spanish society.

Announcing his choices at a press conference on Wednesday evening, Pedro Sánchez said his would be the first majority-female cabinet since Spain returned to democracy following the death of Gen Francisco Franco in 1975.

“This is a highly qualified government for a society with equal representation, open to the world but anchored in Europe,” he said.

The prime minister, who was sworn in on Saturday, said the nationwide feminist strike on 8 March had marked “a before and an after” when it came to gender equality in Spain, adding: “The new government is a faithful reflection of that movement.”

His appointments include Carmen Calvo, a former culture minister, who will serve as deputy prime minister and equalities minister, and Nadia Calviño – currently budget director general at the European commission – who will take the role of economy minister. Read more via Guardian

Fernando Grande Marlaska became Spain’s new interior minister. Grande Marlaska, a former judge widely known in Spain for taking a hard line against the now-disbanded Basque terrorist group ETA, will take charge of a portfolio that includes Spain’s local and regional police forces as well as the national Guardia Civil. Read more via the Advocate

Spanish culture minister Maxim Huerta resigns over tax fine

After taking over from a conservative government forced out of office after a corruption scandal, the socialist administration has lost its first minister. Culture minister Maxim Huerta resigned over a tax fine. Huerta is an openly gay journalist and award-winning author, and his role was to be to oversee Spain’s museums, libraries, arts, and cultural programming needs. He was also to be in charge of the nation’s various sports bodies and programs. Read more via DW