The coronavirus has also taken the lives of some of the symbols of Spanish construction history. Alfonso Cortina, brother of one of the Albertos, and Francisco Hernando, known as Paco el Pocero, have died leaving behind controversial legacies in the Spanish property sector.
Alfonso, along with his brother and cousin, known as the Albertos, were frequently seen amongst the business jet set in the 1980s and 1990s. They were also regulars on the boards of directors and as presidents of renowned Spanish companies. Alfonso, in particular, was an industrial engineer and economist. The son of a foreign minister of the Franco government of Arias Navarro, he was best known for serving as the President of Repsol between 1996 and 2004 and of Colonial between 2004 and 2006.