Juan Gabriel Cotino Ferrer (26 January 1950 – 13 April 2020), commonly known as Juan Cotino, was a Spanish businessman and politician associated with the People's Party (Partido Popular). Born in Xirivella in the Valencian Community, he combined private-sector activity with a long public career that included senior posts at both national and regional levels.
Political career and offices
Cotino held several prominent positions. At the national level he served as Director-General of the Police from 1996 to 2002, a role responsible for the management and coordination of Spain’s national police corps during the administration of the ruling party. Later he was elected to the national legislature, sitting in the Congress of Deputies from 2007 until 2014. Concurrently, he played a significant role in Valencian regional politics and was President of the Corts Valencianes (the regional parliament of Valencia) from 2011 to 2014.
Responsibilities and public role
As Director-General of the Police, Cotino oversaw operational and administrative matters affecting public safety and law enforcement. As a member of the Congress and later as President of the Corts Valencianes, his responsibilities shifted toward legislative leadership, parliamentary procedure, and representation of the regional assembly. His career illustrates the movement between executive security functions and legislative leadership common among senior politicians.
Later years and controversies
In his later career Cotino attracted public attention beyond routine political debate. Media coverage and legal proceedings tied to broader inquiries into political and commercial relationships led to scrutiny of some of his activities. He stepped back from frontline politics after 2014.
Death and legacy
Juan Cotino died on 13 April 2020 at the age of 70 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. His life and work are part of recent Spanish political history, particularly within the Valencian Community, and provoke mixed assessments: recognized for long public service by supporters and the subject of critical attention by opponents and investigators. For information about his birthplace see Xirivella.