Maitane Luna Vizcaino, new Cabinet Director of the Department of Science

The Governing Council of the Basque Government has changed the Cabinet directorate of the department of Science, Universities and Innovation, through two decrees approved in the session of September 8, 2026. Decrees 142/2026 and 143/2026 were published in the Official Gazette of the Basque Country (BOPV) issue of September 11, 2026, through which María Jesús Mateo Ayerza was removed from office and Maitane Luna Vizcaino was appointed as director.

Dismissal and appointment

Decree 142/2026, of September 8, contains the dismissal of María Jesús Mateo Ayerza as Cabinet director, “expressing gratitude for the services rendered”. The decree will take effect on September 10, 2026.

Decree 143/2026, on the other hand, appoints Maitane Luna Vizcaino as Cabinet director, and will take effect on September 11, 2026. Both procedures were carried out upon the proposal of the Minister of Science, Universities and Innovation.

Legal basis

Both decrees are based on articles 18.j), 26.6, and 29 of Law 7/1981, the Government Law of June 30, and have received the prior deliberation and approval of the Governing Council. The documents were signed in Vitoria-Gasteiz on September 8, 2026, and the signatories are:

• Lehendakari: Imanol Pradales Gil.
• Minister of Science, Universities and Innovation: Juan Ignacio Pérez Iglesias.

Meaning of the change

This change in the Cabinet directorate indicates a change in confidence within the high-level structure of the department, in a strategic area for the management of science and university policy. The dismissal and appointment are carried out almost simultaneously, ensuring a rapid transition, which indicates the continuity of the department’s operation.

Source: Official Gazette of the Basque Country, issue of September 11, 2026, Section I (Authorities and Personnel), p. 1 (official reference: 2026/3855 and 2026/3856).