Editorial: El Mundo

• The government greenlights the BBVA takeover of Banco Sabadell, with conditions that intervene in the free market.
• The governmental requirements could pose an obstacle to the completion of the operation.
• The European Commission and other competent bodies had already approved the operation, as long as a series of safeguards were met.
• The government imposes unusual conditions, including avoiding layoffs and staff reductions linked to integration.
• The Council of Ministers decided after a 13-month period of creating an atmosphere of shareholder intimidation.

Conclusion: This decision by the government, which goes against free-market principles and could hinder the completion of the operation, appears to be influenced by local political and economic pressures, and not necessarily by the interests of the banking sector.

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