In Extremadura, the discussion centers not only on the upcoming elections but also on the salary of the next regional leader. It is already known that the new president will receive €97,348 per year before taxes. This figure sets Extremadura apart from other autonomous communities and has sparked debate over the fairness of public sector pay.
This issue has been raised before, when María Guardiola led the region. Her income was among the highest of all regional leaders in Spain, second only to those in Catalunya, Euskadi, and Madrid. Even the country’s prime minister earns less—€93,145 per year.
Now, after early elections, all eyes are on who will take the helm and receive such a significant salary. The decision will be made following the vote in December 2025, with the new contract taking effect in 2026.
Leaders and their salaries
According to current regulations, the salary of the Extremadura president is set in the regional budget and is indexed annually along with other public sector payments. This helps maintain competitiveness with other regions and attract professionals to government positions.
During María Guardiola’s tenure, her annual income was €97,348.09, placing her among the five highest-paid regional leaders. For comparison, in several economically stronger regions, presidents earn less. This situation has raised questions among residents and experts: why does Extremadura’s leader earn so much, given that local income levels are traditionally lower?
Regional authorities explain that these salaries are necessary to attract qualified managers and reflect the level of responsibility involved. In addition, the salaries of top officials are matched to those of senior officials and judges.
Council and administration
It’s not just the president who earns a high income. The entire Extremadura government team—from ministers to department directors—also receives substantial salaries. Consejeros (ministers) earn between €78,268 and €90,900 annually, depending on their area of responsibility. Directors and secretaries make between €71,000 and €89,000.
There are other high-paying positions within the administration as well. For instance, heads of healthcare services in major cities like Badajoz or Plasencia can earn over €100,000 a year. The same applies to some leaders of public funds and agencies.
The average salary among the region’s top officials is significantly higher than the national average. Even mid-level managers, such as chiefs of staff, earn between €52,600 and €64,600 annually.
Context and controversy
The issue of officials’ salaries in Extremadura has repeatedly sparked public debate. The region is traditionally seen as one of the less affluent in Spain, and the gap between the incomes of residents and those in leadership positions fuels discontent among some locals.
Nevertheless, authorities insist that without competitive pay, it is impossible to attract professionals capable of effectively managing the region’s complex structure. They also point out that executive salaries are regularly reviewed and adjusted in line with general rules for the entire public sector.
As the elections approach, the subject of salaries has once again come into the spotlight. Who will become the next president of Extremadura—and claim one of the highest paychecks among regional leaders—remains a question that concerns not only locals, but the entire country.
