Niembro, Spain – José Manuel González García, a former Spanish Member of Parliament and long-time president of the Asturian Judo Federation, has died at the age of 82. González passed away this Friday in Niembro, a town in the Llanes municipality of Asturias, leaving behind a significant legacy in both the political and sporting realms.
González served as a deputy in the Congress of Deputies, initially taking office as a substitute for Pedro de Silva. He held the position for three consecutive terms, demonstrating consistent support from his constituents. Beyond his parliamentary function, he was a dedicated advocate for the reindustrialization of mining regions in Asturias, a cause deeply rooted in his personal history.
Born and raised amidst the mining communities of Asturias, González’s early life profoundly shaped his political and social consciousness. He received a dual education, earning degrees from both the Escuela de Ingenieros Técnicos de Minas (School of Technical Mining Engineers) and the Facultad de Derecho (Faculty of Law). He began his professional career as a mining assistant at the Pozo Santiago mine in Aller, an experience that ignited his passion for workers’ rights and social justice.
This early exposure to the challenges faced by miners fueled his involvement in the labor movement. During the turbulent decades of the 1960s and 70s, González became a key figure in organizing a trade union for mining engineers and actively participated in the Comité Intercentros of Hunosa, a major mining company in the region. He was instrumental in promoting the creation of the Section of Technicians and Cadres within SOMA-UGT, serving as its secretary-general until 1983, when he was elected to the Congress of Deputies.
González’s commitment to the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) was unwavering. He joined the party in 1975 and dedicated his political career to championing the needs of working-class communities. As a member of parliament, he actively participated in the Commission of Industry, Public Works and Services, the Joint Committee for the European Union, and the Joint Commission for Research, Science and Technology. He also served on the Permanent Committee of EUR-ACOM.
However, González’s influence extended far beyond the halls of parliament. For 16 years, from 1992 to 2008, he led the Asturian Judo Federation, transforming the sport within the region. Under his leadership, Asturias hosted numerous international events, including international martial arts festivals and the European Absolute Judo Championship. Current Federation President José Ramón Díaz Maseda described González as someone who “professionalized our sports,” leaving behind a lasting legacy and “a legion of friends.”
González also held the position of Vice President of the Spanish Judo and Associated Sports Federation from 1994 until he stepped down from his regional presidency. His dedication to judo was evident to all who knew him, and he was deeply passionate about the sport both on and off the tatami.
The loss is deeply felt within the Asturian socialist family. His work on the Plan for the Transformation of the Coal Mining Industry and the Reindustrialization Plans for mining regions demonstrated his commitment to securing a future for these communities. He also played a role in establishing the Association of Mining Regions, based in Brussels.
José Manuel González is survived by his wife, Aurora Carrera, and their three children, Sofía, Fernando, and José Manuel. A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 12:00 PM at the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores in Barro, followed by cremation at the Oriente Crematorium. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17th, at 6:00 PM at the Basilica of San Juan El Real in Oviedo.
González’s passing marks the end of an era for both Asturian politics and the sport of judo. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a passionate advocate for social justice, and a beloved leader who left an indelible mark on his community.
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