Allegations of Nepotism Surround Calviño Family

Debate on Alleged Nepotism in the Calviño Family

In a discussion forum, participants debated the alleged placement of Nadia Calviño's children in European institutions. According to posts, Alina Manrique de Lara was hired by the European Commission as a Policy Officer in February 2022. She reportedly works in the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, headed by Thomas Gerassimos—former chief of staff to Joaquín Almunia (2005-2009)—under Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni. The daughter's career path adds to that of her brother, allegedly placed at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the failed attempt to secure a position for their husband at Patrimonio Nacional. These three moves within publicly funded institutions have reignited debate on nepotism among Spain's political elite. No documentary evidence supports these hiring claims.

The EBRD and Its Ethical Code: An Unexplained Contradiction

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has internal regulations prohibiting the hiring of close relatives, whether by blood or marriage. Its official policy requires attracting employees of the highest caliber, suitable for job needs under conditions aligned with the bank's purposes. Posts suggest the economic vice president's son joined this institution after studying at the London School of Economics, an institution popularly associated in Spain more with family names than academic records.

Some argue the son's CV justifies the hire and questioning his merit is prejudice. A simpler counterargument exists: if talent were the sole criterion, ethical codes banning relative hiring would be unnecessary. The norm's existence reveals the problem is real and recurring.

A lingering question is whether the son is adopted. If so, and of Chinese origin, the ethical code might not formally apply. Anything is possible regarding Spain's elite "brahmins."

Daughter in Brussels: Merit or Revolving Door?

According to posts, Alina Manrique de Lara has worked at the European Commission since February 2022. Her department, Taxation & Customs Union, is led by Thomas Gerassimos, who served as Joaquín Almunia's chief of staff from 2005 to 2009 and now reports to Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni. Brussels' power structure mirrors national political networks: surnames holding ministries in Madrid reappear in community directorates-general.

Calviño requested leave from the European Commission in June 2018 to join Pedro Sánchez's government. This back-and-forth movement between Brussels and Madrid illustrates a revolving door affecting not just the vice president but her entire family circle. The daughter required no public competitive exam; neither did the son. The husband attempted it unsuccessfully, which some interpret as proof the system isn't infallible, merely discreet.

Pattern: Cronyism in Public Institutions Using Public Funds

This story isn't new. Placements in institutions funded by public money—EBRD, Patrimonio, Commission—bypassing any process resembling competitive exams. Hiring contracts when the employer is a friend or friend-of-a-friend. In private companies, hiring cousins as digital content directors is acceptable. With public funds, it is not.

The vice president's children attended LSE, suggesting admission there is accessible even to celebrities like the Kardashians if desired. One participant crudely summarized it as a "global brothel," lacking precision but capturing sentiment. Fundamentally, nepotism ignores party lines: conservatives play the same game. The upper class occupying decision-making and information roles spans left and right; they dine together, socialize together, and intertwine professionally.

Meritocracy as Pretext

They don't believe in meritocracy; it hinders placing their children and acquaintances. Hence, they undermine public education while keeping their offspring far from it. Degrees from exclusive London universities, where multiple courses are passed simultaneously despite poor performance, and commissioned theses have replaced competitive exams as entry routes. This shields them from accusations of ignorance.

The result is an elite reaching thirty with inflated CVs, securing high positions without losing the illusion of merit. Nadia's daughter works at the Commission; her son at the EBRD. Neither underwent public selection processes. The question isn't capability, but whether someone without such connections would have had equal opportunity.

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Given these precedents, talent migration toward European institutions should be massive among the best-prepared individuals. It remains a family affair. No one fully explains why.