Manuel Giménez Fernández

Who was Manuel Giménez Fernández?

Manuel Giménez Fernández was a Spanish professor of canon law and politician most famous as Minister of Agriculture in the government of Alejandro Lerroux.

Giménez Fernández was named Professor of Canon Law at the University of Seville in 1934. In the same year, he began his political career as councilman in the municipal government of Seville and ultimately serving as its deputy mayor.

After the creation of the Second Republic, Giménez Fernández was elected to parliament by the constituency of Badajoz in the 1933 elections and subsequently joined the CEDA aligning himself with its liberal and progressive wing. Minister of Agriculture from October 4, 1934 to April 3, 1935 in the government headed by Alejandro Lerroux its policy of moderate agrarian reforms would force his resignation when they provoked bitter attack from elements within the Cortes including the conservative wing of the CEDA. José María Lamamié de Clairac and Cándido Casanueva were among Giménez Fernández's most vehement opponents taking particular exception to draft legislation giving tenants of twelve years standing the right to buy the lands they worked.