Eva Orúe dismissed as director of Madrid Book Fair after five years

Eva Orúe has been dismissed as director of the Madrid Book Fair after five years in the role, the Asociación de Librerías de Madrid announced on 6 July 2026. Orúe, the first woman to hold the position, was informed of the "immediate dismissal" that morning, a decision she says she does not share the reasons for. Source: lavanguardia

The decision

The association's president, Luis M. Tigeras, said the move represents "a change of cycle" and the start of "a new stage with a change in direction." Source: infobae He explicitly ruled out that the dismissal was linked to the 2.7% drop in sales at the 2026 fair, which saw €9.86 million in revenue – a decline attributed to external factors such as the visit of Pope Leo XIV and a heatwave. Source: elmundoes Orúe's departure comes just weeks after the fair's conclusion, which saw a 5% contraction in visitors and sales.

Reasons given

Tigeras told El Confidencial that the association wants "a renewal, a new look from another perspective" and to "put bookstores at the forefront." Source: elconfidencial The association's statement thanked Orúe for her work and highlighted progress in sustainability and cultural programming. However, Orúe herself said she does not share the reasons given, citing confidentiality. Source: elespanol Tensions had been building, with some booksellers unhappy with the fair's direction, particularly over sponsored pavilions and the premature closure of the fairgrounds due to a storm alert. Source: elmundoes

What's next

The association has appointed Pablo Bonet as interim director and will open a process to find a permanent successor, with the 50th anniversary of the association looming in 2027. Source: elconfidencial