Overview
José Folgado Blanco (1944 – 23 March 2020) was a Spanish businessman and politician affiliated with the People's Party. He held a mix of public and corporate leadership roles that connected local government, national politics and the electricity sector. Born in Morales de Rey, he became notable for combining political office with later management of a major state-linked company.
Political and municipal career
Folgado's political trajectory included service as a national legislator and as a local mayor. He served as a Deputy in the Spanish legislature at the start of the 21st century (elected in 2000 and again for the 2004–2008 term). At the municipal level he was Mayor of Tres Cantos from 2007 to 2012, overseeing local administration in a Madrid commuter town and participating in regional development decisions. His career illustrates the common path from municipal politics to national influence within Spain's party system.
Role at Red Eléctrica de España
In 2012 Folgado became President of Red Eléctrica de España, the company responsible for managing and operating Spain's high-voltage electricity transmission grid and for ensuring system stability. He led the organization until 2018, a period marked by ongoing changes in energy policy, grid modernization and debates about renewable integration and system security. His leadership placed him at the intersection of public policy and infrastructure management.
Significance and activities
Across his roles, Folgado acted as a bridge between elected office and state-linked enterprise leadership. His tenure is an example of senior politicians moving into corporate governance positions that require both technical oversight and political navigation. In municipal government he concentrated on local services and planning; at the national level he took part in parliamentary work; and at Red Eléctrica he focused on the strategic operation of critical infrastructure.
Death and legacy
José Folgado died on 23 March 2020 in Tres Cantos at the age of 75. His death was attributed to complications from COVID-19, during the global pandemic that affected Spain severely in early 2020. Local and national accounts noted his combined public and corporate career. For further information on the municipality he governed, see Tres Cantos.
Selected positions
- Mayor of Tres Cantos (2007–2012)
- Deputy in the Spanish parliament (2000; 2004–2008)
- President of Red Eléctrica de España (2012–2018)