Journalist Soledad Gallego-Díaz, the first woman to direct EL PAÍS, died on Tuesday night in Madrid at age 75. Political leaders and colleagues have praised her rigor, independence, and commitment to truth. She was a key figure in Spanish journalism since the Transition.
Soledad Gallego-Díaz died on the night of May 5, 2026, in Madrid, as confirmed by EL PAÍS. Born in 1951, she was the first woman to direct the newspaper from June 2018 to June 2020, and served as correspondent in cities including Brussels, London, Paris, New York, and Buenos Aires. She achieved a key Transition scoop by publishing the draft of the 1978 Constitution in Cuadernos para el Diálogo.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences on X: “A benchmark of rigor, independence, and commitment to the truth, she helped build a free and demanding press, essential for our democracy. My affection to her family, colleagues, and all who learned from her and admired her”.
Former President Felipe González sent a letter of condolence to the family, noting their long personal relationship. Emiliano García-Page, president of Castilla-La Mancha, described her as “an extraordinary journalist who broke barriers and played a fundamental role since the Transition. Rigorous, brave, and committed to the truth”.
Minister Ángel Víctor Torres stated that “journalism in our country since the Transition cannot be understood without her”. Reyes Maroto recalled their last conversation, in which she informed her of the proposal for the Medal of Honor of Madrid. Journalist Aimar Bretos, on Cadena SER's Hora 25, said: “Sol was a huge journalist, but you can't imagine how much better a person, friend... A teacher for all of us”.
