Ayuso Remodels Madrid Government After Feijóo Recruits Novillo and Sánchez

Isabel Díaz Ayuso has reshuffled three key departments in the Madrid regional government following the recruitment of Carlos Novillo and José Antonio Sánchez by Alberto Núñez Feijóo for the People’s Party (PP) general election list. The changes, formalized via an extraordinary teleconference of the Council of Government, ensure continuity in critical areas as the region approaches both national and autonomous elections.

The Executive Changes

Carlos Novillo, the veteran consejero of Environment, Agriculture, and Interior, is leaving to become the seventh candidate on Feijóo’s Madrid list for Congress. His departure triggers a chain reaction within Ayuso’s cabinet:

• Jorge Rodrigo, previously responsible for Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure, assumes leadership of the vacated portfolio covering environment, agriculture, and interior affairs. This includes oversight of emergency services, where Novillo managed major crises like the Sierra Oeste fire and the 2023 DANA floods Source: El Mundo (ES).
• José María García Gómez, Rodrigo’s former vice-counselor, rises to head Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure. García had served as interim minister during Rodrigo’s medical leave from late 2025 to early 2026 Source: El Confidencial.
• Ángel San Gregorio, formerly Director General for Citizen Attention, replaces José Antonio Sánchez as Vice-Counselor of Presidency and Local Administration. Sánchez, also recruited by Feijóo, was a key liaison with municipal leaders Source: ABC.

Strategic Implications

Novillo’s move to Génova signals Feijóo’s intent to leverage experienced regional managers at the national level. Sources indicate Feijóo views Novillo’s crisis management record as vital for potential future national security roles, including a proposed unified emergency department Source: El Mundo (ES). For Ayuso, the reshuffle stabilizes her executive ahead of the May 2027 autonomous elections, though it removes two influential figures from her immediate circle. The new appointments take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Bulletin of the Community of Madrid (BOCM) Source: La Vanguardia.