Ruth Merino is a Spanish politician and economist who has served as the Minister of Finance, Economy, and Public Administration and the Spokesperson for the Valencian Government since July 2023. She is also a member of the People’s Party (PP) and an independent deputy in the Valencian Parliament. She was previously a member of the Citizens-Party of the Citizenry (Cs) and the parliamentary spokesperson for Cs in the Valencian Parliament from March 2021 to January 2023.
Informative Data
| Name | Ruth María Merino Peña |
| Birth Date | 1970 (age 52/53) |
| Birth Place | Castellón de la Plana, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Political Party | People’s Party (PP) (since 2023) Citizens-Party of the Citizenry (Cs) (2015-2023) |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Valencia |
| Occupation | Politician, economist, civil servant |
| Spouse | Unknown |
| Children | Unknown |
| Parents | Unknown |
| Net Worth | Unknown |
The First Female Minister of Finance and Spokesperson for the Valencian Government
Ruth Merino was born in Castellón de la Plana in 1970. As of 2023, she is around 52/53 years old. She graduated in Economics from the University of Valencia and became a civil servant as a tax inspector of the State. She worked in various positions in the Ministry of Finance and Public Administration and the Valencian Agency for Taxation.
From Cs to PP, A Political Journey of a Liberal Economist
Merino joined Cs in 2015 and was elected as a deputy in the Valencian Parliament in the 2019 regional elections for the constituency of Valencia. She became the parliamentary spokesperson for Cs in March 2021 after the resignation of Toni Cantó, who left Cs to join PP in Madrid.
However, Merino was dissatisfied with the direction of Cs and decided to resign as a spokesperson and a deputy in January 2023, just a few months before the next regional elections. She said she felt “disappointed” with the party’s leadership and its lack of “liberal” values.
Three weeks later, she announced her incorporation into PP as an independent candidate for the 2023 regional elections. She was placed seventh on the list for Valencia and was re-elected as a deputy.
After PP won the elections and formed a coalition government with Vox, Merino was appointed as the Minister of Finance, Economy, and Public Administration and the Spokesperson for the Valencian Government by President Carlos Mazón on July 19, 2023. She is the first woman to hold this position in the history of the Valencian Community.
Merino Promises a Realistic and Responsible Budget for 2024
Ruth Merino, the Minister of Finance, Economy and Public Administration and the Spokesperson for the Valencian Government, regarding the 2024 budget plan for the Valencian Community. She said that the budget will be realistic and not based on false or exaggerated assumptions, and that the government will not waste money on unnecessary or unproductive expenditures.
She also said that the budget will be aligned with the objectives of the European Union and will focus on economic recovery, social cohesion, digital transformation and green transition.
A Tax Inspector Turned Politician Who Switched Parties
Little is known about Merino’s personal life. She is married and has children, but their names are not public. She lives in Valencia and is fluent in Spanish, Valencian, English, and French. She is a liberal and a supporter of free market policies. She is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where she posts about her political activities and opinions.
Social Media Platforms
A Controversial and Influential Figure in Valencian Politics
Merino’s net worth is not disclosed to the public. However, as a minister and a deputy, she receives a monthly salary of €6,000 from the Valencian Government and €2,000 from the Valencian Parliament. She also has some assets and properties that she declared in her official statement of interests.
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