José Ángel Cuerda Montoya (born 17 March 1934) is a Spanish politician of the Basque Nationalist Party (EAJ-PNV). He was the first democratically elected mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, serving from 1979 to 1999.[1]

José Ángel Cuerda
Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz
In office
11 May 1979 – 4 July 1999
Preceded byAlfredo Marco Tabar
Succeeded byAlfonso Alonso
Member of Basque Parliament
In office
22 March 1984 – 21 November 1989
Personal details
Born (1934-03-17) 17 March 1934 (age 90)
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Political partyBasque Nationalist Party

Cuerda was known for his promotion of the environment and green space in his city as well as championing sustainable city planning for the wellbeing of residents. Though officially a member of the right-wing PNV, he said in 2019 "I never received instructions from the PNV, nor did I stop being a member of left-wing movements in the Basque Country, Spain, or around the world".[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Méndez, Mila (22 May 2019). "José Ángel Cuerda, un alcalde pionero: «Nunca tuve coche, en Vitoria los mayores van a donde les da la gana»" [José Ángel Cuerda, a pioneering mayor: "I never had a car, in Vitoria seniors go wherever they please"]. La Voz de Galicia (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 August 2022.