Jorge Rodrigo will assume Environment, Agriculture, and Interior after a period marked by criticism of emergency management and controversies over public procurement and housing
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has reshuffled three areas of her Government this Monday after the incorporation of counselor Carlos Novillo and vice-counselor José Antonio Sánchez to the PP candidacy for Madrid for the general elections on November 29. The changes place Jorge Rodrigo at the head of Environment, Agriculture, and Interior, in a reorganization framed within Alberto Núñez Feijóo's commitment to incorporate profiles with experience in public management into the regional lists.
The move adds to the signings of officials from other communities, such as Galicia, Castilla y León, Cantabria, Comunidad Valenciana, and Murcia. In Madrid, the reshuffle affects three departments and represents one of the few changes made by Ayuso in her Government's core during the legislature, along with the departure of Emilio Viciana from Education, Science, and Universities and the subsequent incorporation of Mercedes Zarzalejo.
Rodrigo moves from Housing to Environment after controversies during his tenure
Jorge Rodrigo, until now Minister of Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure, will replace Novillo at the head of Environment, Agriculture, and Interior. His previous department will be taken over by José María García Gómez, who served as vice-counselor and Rodrigo's number two.
During his management, the regional Government highlights the modernization of public transport, Metro extensions, and the delivery of 16,500 affordable rental homes through the Plan Vive. However, his tenure has also been marked by controversies related to housing policy and public procurement.
These include the questioning by the Municipal Office against Fraud and Corruption of Madrid regarding the hiring procedure of his partner in the Municipal Housing and Land Company (EMVS). Subsequently, she moved to another municipal position of free appointment, with an annual remuneration of 63,134.12 gross euros, according to elDiario.es. The information does not in itself prove that Rodrigo intervened in the hiring.
The counselor also received criticism for his refusal to apply the rent price controls foreseen in the state Housing Law in stressed areas. In February 2025, in addition, he starred in a controversy in the Madrid Assembly by telling Más Madrid deputy Marisa Escalante: "Don't pout at me, you distract me". After the parliamentarian's criticism, Rodrigo apologized to her.
Novillo leaves an area marked by emergencies and the LÍDER law
The Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Interior, which Rodrigo will now lead, has faced during Carlos Novillo's time episodes such as the large fire in the Sierra Oeste and various DANA events. The management of these emergencies has generated criticism from the opposition, which has questioned the regional Executive's response.
Novillo also defended the LÍDER law, aimed at streamlining urban planning procedures and facilitating housing construction. The reform has aroused the rejection of the opposition and environmental and neighborhood organizations, which warn of possible effects on environmental guarantees and a greater weight of private interests. The regional Government maintains that the norm will allow reducing procedures and accelerating urban developments.
The Madrid Executive highlights, for its part, the aid for agriculture and livestock as part of the ministry's balance during this legislature.
Presidency also renews its vice-ministry
The third modification affects the Ministry of Presidency, Justice and Local Administration, led by Miguel Ángel García Martín. Ángel San Gregorio, until now general director of Citizen Attention and Transparency, will replace José Antonio Sánchez as vice-minister of Presidency and Local Administration.
This department is in charge of coordinating various actions of the regional Executive, including the works of the City of Justice, the Pueblos con Vida program, aimed at revitalizing small municipalities, and the Regional Investment Program, which reaches 178 towns in Madrid.
The Governing Council will meet this Monday in an extraordinary and telematic session to formalize the appointments. The councilors will be appointed by decree of the president, while the vice-councilors and general directors depend on the Governing Council. Rodrigo, García Gómez, and San Gregorio will take office on Wednesday, after the publication of their appointments in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid (BOCM).