Alfredo de Zavala y Lafora

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Alfredo de Zavala y Lafora (25 May 1893 – 7 March 1995) was a Spanish lawyer who played an important role in the government during the Second Spanish Republic. He served as Governor of the Bank of Spain twice and briefly as Minister of Finance.

Early life and education
He was born in Madrid to Alfredo Zavala y Camps, a government attorney who was briefly acting Minister of Finance in 1910–1911, and Isabel Lafora y Calatayud. His family was of Basque origin. He was the oldest son and grew up in a disciplined, culture‑minded home. He studied at the Colegio de San Miguel (later the French Lyceum) and at the Padres Escolapios de Getafe. He started working at the Ministry of Finance while studying law, and he graduated in law from the Central University of Madrid. He was among the first Spaniards to ski and helped found the Spanish Alpine Club.

Career before the Republic
After his military service, in 1916 he became a State Attorney. In 1922 he was named secretary of the board of Minas de Barruelo S.A. He built a reputation as a skilled lawyer. In 1930 he joined the Progressive Party.

Public service during the Republic
In April 1931, the Minister of Finance Indalecio Prieto appointed Zavala Lafora Director General of Debt and Liabilities, and later Director General of Property and Territorial Contribution. This work included leading the Administration Council of the Mines of Almaden and Arrayanes and involvement with Mercurio Europeo, a mercury price‑control effort in Italy. In 1932, after a constitutional rule limited religious teaching, Zavala Lafora, a Catholic, resigned from the Directorate General and returned to work as a State Attorney.

From 1932 to 1934 he served as Permanent State Advisor for the Treasury. In March 1934 he became Governor of the Bank of Spain, a position he held until February 1935. While governor he also became director of the Tabacalera company.

Minister of Finance and return to the Bank
On 3 April 1935 he was named Minister of Finance, a post he held until 6 May 1935. After a month, the cabinet resigned and he returned to the Bank of Spain in May 1935. He was replaced as minister by Joaquín Chapaprieta. Zavala Lafora left the Bank of Spain in February 1936 when the Popular Front won the elections, because he disagreed with the new government’s policies. He then returned to his duties as State Attorney and later practiced private law.

Later career
In 1940 he joined the boards of Tabacalera, Sociedad Española del Acumulador Tudor, and Banco Zaragozano, eventually becoming chairman of the first two boards. He retired from chairmanships at the age of 80 and was named honorary president of both Tabacalera and Tudor.

Honors and death
On his 100th birthday, Prime Minister Felipe González awarded him the Cross of Honour of the Order of St. Raymond of Peñafort. Alfredo de Zavala y Lafora died in Madrid on 7 March 1995, aged 101.