Floridablanca, José de Moñino y Redondo, conde de (1728-1808)

Spanish chief minister.

Prominent lawyer and fiscal of the council of Castile (1766). Spanish ambassador to the Papal States (1772-76). As secretary of state (1776-92), he initiated a program of economic reform and persuaded Charles III to establish a cabinet. Reverted to authoritarianism in response to the French Revolution.

Ennobled as the conde de Floridablanca (1773).