The Secretary General of the Cibeles Plenary, Federico López de la Riva, has died at the age of 69. His legacy in public service and his influence in Madrid politics are undeniable.
Federico Andrés López de la Riva Carrasco, who served as the Secretary General of the Cibeles Plenary, passed away this Friday at the age of 69. His death has been confirmed by municipal sources and has generated a wave of condolences among his colleagues and political figures. With a career spanning more than two decades in the Madrid City Council, López de la Riva took up his position in 2006 during the tenure of then-mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón.
A law graduate from the University of Deusto, López de la Riva was not only a prominent jurist but also a magistrate with experience in administrative litigation. In his professional trajectory, he notably served as a lawyer at the Constitutional Court in 2012. His work was fundamental in ensuring legal security within the Madrid council.
In recent years, he worked intensively on complex issues affecting the functioning of the City Council, including changing political dynamics such as the emergence of the Mixed Group and current tensions with Vox. This Tuesday, he was scheduled to preside over a double plenary session that included both an ordinary meeting and the State of the City Plenary.
Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida expressed his sorrow through social media: “Federico was an essential figure for the City Council. His dedication to public service and his commitment to our institution have left a deep mark.” This statement highlights not only his importance within local government but also how his work directly impacted public policies affecting citizens.
Condolences have been expressed from various political sectors. The Socialist spokesperson publicly acknowledged his vocation and dedication to public service, while Más Madrid highlighted that he represented “an important part of Madrid's collective memory.” On the other hand, Vox also expressed its dismay at this significant loss for the local political sphere.
López de la Riva is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for being a pillar within the Madrid administrative system during difficult and changing times. His legacy will endure among those who worked alongside him and those who indirectly benefited from his legal decisions.
The political community is now reflecting on how to move forward without one of its most respected and influential members. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how functions within the Plenary will be reorganised following this notable absence.
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