●     Born in Llodio (Álava), 15 March 1957. Married with two daughters.

●     Holder of a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of the Basque Country.

●     Mayor of Llodio from 1983 to 1987.

●     Representative at the General Assembly of Álava, 1983 - 1994.

●     Chairman of the General Assembly of Álava, 1986 - 1991.

●     Member of the Social Council of the University of the Basque Country, and Chairman of the university’s Economics Committee.

●     Member of the Basque Parliament since 1984.

●     Chairman of the Economic Affairs and Budget Committee of the Basque Parliament, 1986 - 1994.

●     Deputy Premier of the Basque Government and Minister for the Treasury and Public Administration during the 5^th legislature (1995-1998).

●     Elected Premier for the first time on 29th December 1998.