Regionalist deputy Francisco Javier López Marcano, right-hand man of Miguel Ángel Revilla for four decades, died on April 2, 2026, in Torrelavega at age 71 from a heart attack. Marcano served as former counselor in the Cantabria government, former mayor of Torrelavega, and key leader of the Partido Regionalista de Cantabria (PRC). His career featured numerous public roles and iconic tourism projects.
Francisco Javier López Marcano, born January 26, 1955, in Torrelavega, died in the early hours of April 2, 2026, in his hometown. A graduate in Hispanic Philology from the University of Valladolid, he taught Latin at IES Marqués de Santillana in Torrelavega. He was married to Pilar Estrada and had three children: Leticia, Javier, and Alba.
His political career started in 1979 with ADIC and solidified in 1987 upon joining the PRC, becoming Miguel Ángel Revilla's key lieutenant. He held positions including councilor for Citizen Security, mayor of Torrelavega (1999-2003), and counselor in areas like Culture, Tourism, Sports, Industry, and Innovation. He promoted projects like El Soplao cave and Cantabrian tourism, even speaking Latin with Pope Benedict XVI.
He faced judicial proceedings initiated by the PP, from which he was acquitted, leading to his full reinstatement in 2021 as counselor. In the current term, he was a regional deputy and second vice president of the Parliament of Cantabria's Board. His son Javier López Estrada is Torrelavega's current mayor.
Known for his prodigious memory, cultural passion, and loyalty, Marcano leaves Cantabrian regionalism orphaned alongside the prior death of Rafael de la Sierra.
