In Memory of Carmen Chacón

(13 March 1971 – 09 April 2017)

The Socialist International Women was deeply saddened to receive the news of the death of Carmen Chacón on 09 April 2017 at the age of 46 years. Carmen Chacón Piqueras was an extraordinary socialist, a great mother and a reference in politics for many men and women in her country.

Born in Catalonia, from a very young age Carmen showed her passion for defending socialist ideals and over the years she became a very important figure in the political field. She joined the PSC and PSOE when she was a law student, becoming elected councillor in her hometown of Esplugues de Llobregat, later serving as a Member of Parliament for Barcelona for five periods, from 2000 to 2016, and Vice-President of the Congress of Deputies. During the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was Minister of Housing in 2007 and a year later, seven months pregnant, broke barriers to be the first female Minister of Spanish defence between 2008 and 2011 and marked a time for women with her strength, courage, dedication and work. In 2012 was also the first woman to appear as candidate to Secretary General of PSOE, election that she lost by a narrow margin. Between 2014 and 2016 she was Secretary of International Relations of PSOE.

She suffered from a congenital heart disease from birth, but this did not prevent her from living a full life and dedicating herself to politics and defending her ideals with passion and dedication.

Carmen will be missed immensely but leaves behind an outstanding political trajectory and a legacy of professionalism and dedication that will serve as an example for future generations.