Solchaga Catalán, Carlos

b. 1944, Tafalla (Navarre)

   Politician and economist

   A Madrid graduate in economics, Solchaga held various posts in the civil service and in banking before entering politics. He joined the socialist PSOE in 1974. As Felipe González" Minister of Industry and Energy (1982–5) and of Economy and Finance (1985–93), Solchaga played a major role in the government's policy of reconversión industrial, prior to entry into the European Union; his austerity measures and right-wing economic views led to conflict with the trade unions and left-wing socialists. In 1994 he abandoned politics to work in publishing and higher education.

   See also: banks; Guerra, Alfonso; industry; RUMASA; unemployment

   MICHAEL T. NEWTON