The Spanish daily, El Pais, has said that the new Foreign Minister is an entirely different creature to his predecessor, José Manuel García-Margallo.

An analysis piece in this morning’s El Pais has described Margallo, whose five years in the role saw him adopt an aggressive stance towards Gibraltar, as “the least diplomatic” head of Spanish diplomacy.

On the other hand, the article presents his successor, Alfonso Dastis, as the “anti-Margallo” adding that the career diplomat is “cautious, moderate and extremely prudent.”

Dastis is said to be very close to Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy and the “least political” member of his new cabinet.

There is, as yet, no indication as to his views on Gibraltar.

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