Leocadio Marín, a prominent figure in Andalusian socialism and a modernizer of the Red Cross in the late 1980s, passed away after a long illness. Born in Baeza, Jaén on November 10, 1942, he died on May 21 in his hometown, to which he felt deeply connected. Despite his varied political career, he always maintained a strong bond with his roots, as immortalized by Antonio Machado’s words: “Campo de Baeza / I will dream of you / When I can’t see you!” His personality reflected some of Machado’s qualities, such as kindness, respect, listening, and positive feelings towards others. He divided his life between the toxicity of politics and his passion for teaching and speech therapy, having obtained a degree in Philosophy and Letters in 1976 from the University of Granada.
From a young age, Leocadio felt drawn to socialism, inspired by the humanistic discourse of the old professor Enrique Tierno Galván and his Party of Socialist People. Despite being from Andalusia and of the same generation as Felipe González and Alfonso Guerra, he did not join the PSOE but rather embraced Tierno’s party. After the integration of Tierno’s party into the PSOE in 1978, he became a loyal and enthusiastic member, serving as the president of the Jaén Provincial Council in 1979 and later as the government’s delegate in Andalusia in 1982, a crucial stage in his career where he stood out as one of the most promising young socialists. During this time, Leocadio interacted with the most prominent figures in the PSOE and the socio-economic fabric of his region.
His next stop was Madrid, where he was appointed president of the Red Cross in 1986, tasked with modernizing the organization. In his four years in office, he successfully revitalized and democratized the institution, earning the respect of major institutions, including the Spanish Royal Family. Despite being considered for ministerial posts on two occasions, he chose to step down as Red Cross president in 1990 to run as the PSOE candidate for the Andalusian Regional Government. However, unforeseen events derailed his plans, leading to his appointment as Agriculture and Fisheries counselor, where he worked tirelessly to support the needs of the most vulnerable. He also simultaneously held the presidency of the PSOE in Andalusia during the factional divisions within the party.
After serving as the president of the Andalusian School Council, Leocadio was elected mayor of Baeza in 2007, a position he held until 2015. His passing has left an indelible mark on his community, with the city declaring a day of mourning in his memory. His wife, Fela, and their two daughters will never forget him, nor will those who had the privilege of knowing him. Mourners from across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences, highlighting the respect and affection inspired by his legacy. Juan Francisco Polo, who worked with Leocadio in various capacities, shared his memories and reflections on Leocadio’s life and contributions to society.
