Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría has once again become the focus of Spanish news—not only because of high-profile cases connected to the former government. This time, the spotlight is on her unexpected public appearance: the former Deputy Prime Minister emerged with a noticeably changed style and a new lifestyle, which stands in sharp contrast to her previous political career. As noted by Divinity, interest in Sáenz de Santamaría is further fueled by her testimony in a case related to the “Caso Kitchen,” which addresses possible abuses at the highest levels of the former government. But outside the courtrooms, her life looks completely different.
A new chapter beyond politics
After losing the party primary in 2018 and withdrawing from high-level politics, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría practically disappeared from the media spotlight. However, it turned out she did not stray far from her usual sphere: she continued to work in the legal field, though without her former public profile. In 2018, she was appointed as a counselor at the Consejo de Estado, and in 2023 her mandate was renewed. At the same time, Sáenz de Santamaría took a prominent role in the private sector: since 2019, she has been a partner and advisor at the law firm Cuatrecasas, and from 2024, she became an external consultant to its management. Additionally, since 2024, she has served on the board of directors of Cepsa (now Moeve) as an independent member.
Hobbies and personal life
But for many, the real surprise was the former official’s new passions. According to Divinity, Sáenz de Santamaría has become seriously interested in cooking and has even taken several courses, while her love for reading and art resulted in a joint book with her friend Álvaro Caballo, “Miradas paralelas”, dedicated to reinterpreting the Museo del Prado collection. A special place in her life is occupied by Chinese poetry and essays—she manages to read up to three books a week. Still, her main project remains her family: her husband Iván Rosa, also a lawyer, and their teenage son Iván, who is now fourteen years old. According to those close to her, family life became her priority after she left politics.
The image everyone is talking about
Sáenz de Santamaría’s external transformation has not gone unnoticed. Her former recognizable look—bob haircut and dark hair—has changed to a short cut and a lighter shade. According to those close to her, this new style reflects inner changes: she looks visibly fresher and younger, and her wardrobe now includes lighter and more contemporary pieces. Sáenz de Santamaría now rarely appears in public, most often accompanied by her husband, and each such outing becomes a talking point in society pages.
Media and family stories
Interest in the personal lives of former politicians in Spain remains high—especially when it comes to unexpected changes or rare appearances. As with other well-known families, for example when Roser Alentà’s reaction to her sons’ successes and failures was discussed, as covered in the story about family conversations of Alentà after the dramatic race, the public attentively follows every new gesture and change in the lives of former public figures. In the case of Sáenz de Santamaría, the attention to her style and new hobbies only confirms: even outside of politics, she remains a prominent figure in Spanish news.
