Who makes up the circle that 'protects' Yolanda Díaz after her father's death

Minister Yolanda Díaz Pérez (A Coruña, 1971) couldn't hold back her tears. She did so after President Pedro Sánchez remembered her father, Jesús Díaz Díaz (Ferrol, 1944), better known as Suso. Last Tuesday, the historic union leader passed away at 80 years old after battling a serious illness.

Despite the death of her father, the Galician politician didn't miss the plenary session held in the Lower House. Her presence didn't go unnoticed. Nor did the style she chose, as Díaz wore a white suit, her signature color. It's also a very significant color, since in some cultures, it's the shade associated with mourning.

During the session, Yolanda Díaz also took the podium. In her speech, she didn't hesitate to defend the President after the corruption scandal affecting PSOE came to light. She also criticized People's Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.

Today was certainly not an easy day for Yolanda Díaz, as she lost her father, one of the most recognized political figures in Galician unionism. But what influence did Suso Díaz have on the Second Vice President?

The Influence of Suso Díaz and Carmela Pérez, Yolanda Díaz's Parents

Yolanda Díaz's arrival on May 6, 1971, was a great joy for her parents, Suso Díaz and Carmela Pérez.

The Minister of Labor is the youngest of three siblings, the other two are men about whom little information has emerged. Yolanda was introduced to political activism at a very young age, especially due to the influence Suso Díaz had on her. In fact, the family home in Ferrol was a meeting point for unionists, politicians, and left-leaning friends.

It's important to mention that Suso Díaz stood out as a highly recognized figure in the political struggle during the Franco dictatorship. His name became famous in the region after his participation in the naval sector strikes in Ferrol in 1972. This led to his arrest on several occasions when "Galicia was at the forefront of the workers' and anti-Franco struggle."

With the arrival of democracy, Suso Díaz was one of the founders of the Workers' Commissions of Galicia. In 1992, Yolanda Díaz's father was elected as general secretary. He kept that position until 2000.

As mentioned, Yolanda Díaz "absorbed" her father's political culture. However, their relationship cooled after Suso Díaz and his wife, Carmela Pérez, ended their marriage.

The Galician politician distanced herself from her father.

But after graduating in Law from the University of Santiago de Compostela, she reconnected with him. Especially after Carmela's death in 2013. It was a very hard blow for the Galician politician, one she couldn't overcome.

But what role did Carmela Pérez play in her daughter's life?

Carmela was always a "woman in the shadows." Unlike Suso Díaz, she preferred to engage in political struggle in a discreet, secondary role. With her ex-husband, she shared the political activism they instilled in their three children.

For years, Carmela Pérez worked at Ford, where she was also one of the union delegates. Previously, the family went through financial difficulties, and Carmela didn't hesitate to support her family. This led her to work cleaning hospitals and sewing.

Those who knew her described her as a discreet, strong, and generous woman.

Yolanda Díaz herself described her as a "wise, calm, and very hardworking woman. She was my female role model. She gave everything for us." From her mother, Yolanda Díaz inherited a deep religious education. However, she didn't inherit the right-wing ideology that prevails in Carmela Pérez's family.

Juan Andrés Meizoso, Yolanda Díaz's Discreet Ex-husband

At the beginning of 2024, Yolanda Díaz started the year single. As exclusively reported by Elcierredigital.com, the politician ended her marriage with her husband, Galician technical draftsman Juan Andrés Meizoso.

It was then that the Minister of Labor moved into an apartment of 4,768 sq. ft. (443 m²). This property is located on Madrid's Paseo de la Castellana, one of the most exclusive areas of the capital. Meanwhile, Meizoso returned to Galicia, his homeland.

Their story dates back to the 1990s. At that time, Yolanda Díaz and Juan Andrés Meizoso met while studying at the University of Santiago de Compostela.

Meizoso also used to participate in university student movements in which Díaz was already well known. In 1998, he accompanied her to Ferrol, where Yolanda Díaz founded her own law firm. Later, he was a "discreet ally" in her political career.

The couple sealed their story on November 15, 2003, in a wedding held at the Torrente Ballester cultural center in the municipality of Ferrol, A Coruña.

That wedding was unusual. In fact, Díaz chose a red dress and Meizoso a beige suit. The historic PCE leader Fernando Miramontes officiated their wedding.

The couple led a quiet life near the sea in a Galician town north of A Coruña.

Yolanda described Juan Andrés Meizoso as "her life partner." The draftsman is known to be a very discreet man. His public appearances are rare, and it was the minister who posted photos with him on social media.

However, everything changed in 2021. During Yolanda Díaz's early days in government, they lived apart.

However, that year the couple settled in the capital. It is said that the Galician didn't adapt to life in Madrid. This circumstance took a toll on the couple. Three years later, their breakup was confirmed.

It is known that Andrés Meizoso now lives in Ferrol. In the Galician town, he manages to go unnoticed. At the same time, he keeps his job at the shipbuilding company Navantia, where he works as a technical draftsman.

Carmela, Yolanda Díaz's Great Support

From the marriage between Yolanda Díaz and Juan Andrés Meizoso, Carmela was born, their only daughter together. The little girl was born on March 8, 2012, a very significant date as it marks International Women's Day.

The little girl was given this name in honor of her grandmother Carmela, who, as mentioned, passed away in 2013. Since her birth, Yolanda Díaz has tried to keep her daughter away from the media spotlight. However, she often posts pictures with her on her Instagram profile.

As Carmela has grown, the bond between her and her mother has become stronger. Last summer, the Minister attended the massive concert given by singer Taylor Swift in Madrid with her daughter, as well as events like the Goya Awards ceremony. Carmela has also witnessed the "crowd baths" her mother received at places like the San Isidro Fair. One of the young girl's most recent public appearances took place last May 1 during the demonstration held in hom

It is known that Carmela is studying at Ramiro de Maeztu School. Notable figures such as President Pedro Sánchez, his two daughters, and also Queen Letizia have also attended this educational center.

As mentioned, Yolanda Díaz lives with her daughter in a spectacular property on Paseo de la Castellana. Today, Carmela will be one of the main supports for the Minister of Labor, who has lost her father. Or, as many say, her "mentor."