Joaquín Palacín, president of Chunta Aragonesista (CHA), has died at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer, the Aragonese political party confirmed Thursday. Palacín, a prominent figure in Aragonese politics, had stepped back from frontline politics in the previous legislative term after receiving his diagnosis.
CHA expressed its deep sorrow, acknowledging Palacín’s “commitment to Aragon, to social justice and to the collective project for so many years.” The party described him as one of the “firmest and most generous voices of Aragonese politics,” praising his “closeness, honesty and constant dedication” to CHA and the defense of the region.
“In the name of Chunta Aragonesista, we want to thank Joaquín from the heart for everything he has given to this common project, as well as convey our affection and support to his family, friends and all those who today feel his loss. His memory and example will continue to be part of the path of Chunta Aragonesista,” the party stated.
Born in Huesca in 1974, Palacín was married with three children. Prior to his political career, he worked in the management of consulting firms and environmental services companies. He served as a councilor for the Monzón City Council between 2007 and 2013, holding the presidencies of the Sports Patronage and the Fair Institution during his tenure.
From 2015 to 2019, Palacín was the Director-General of Land Planning, within the Department of Territorial Structuring, Mobility and Housing of the Government of Aragon. He was elected president of CHA in February 2020 and re-elected in March 2024. Since 2019, he had served as a deputy in the Cortes of Aragon, where he was spokesperson for the parliamentary group and held positions on key commissions related to territory, mobility, agriculture, and the environment.
The news of Palacín’s death has prompted reactions from across the Aragonese political spectrum. Jorge Pueyo, CHA’s candidate in the recent elections and now an autonomous deputy, posted a message in Aragonese on social media, expressing grief and remembrance. María Navarro, the newly elected president of the Cortes of Aragon, said she felt the loss “in her soul,” describing Palacín as a “great person who defended Aragon above all else.”
Jorge Azcón, the acting president of Aragon, conveyed his condolences to Palacín’s family, friends, and colleagues, calling him an “honest politician and a good man.” The Aragonese PSOE as well expressed their sadness, remembering Palacín as someone with an “extraordinary temperament, a respectful and exemplary politician, loyal to his land and his principles.” Pilar Alegría, the PSOE’s general secretary, sent a message of support to his family and friends.
Juan Antonio Sánchez Quero, president of the Provincial Council of Zaragoza, highlighted Palacín’s “extensive trajectory of public service marked by his commitment to Aragonese politics, the defense of social rights and the perform for the progress of Aragon and its inhabitants.” Former Izquierda Unida deputy Álvaro Sanz also expressed his sorrow, stating, “There is news that hurts, and this is one of them.”
