Miguel Ángel Prieto recalls his close relationship with Luis Valls, which began in 1996 when he joined the Delegated Directorate of Subsidiary Banks at Banco Popular. Two years later, Prieto started working directly with Valls in the Office of the Presidency and, because of some changes, assumed the position of director of the Office of the Presidency until Valls’ death.

For Prieto, one of Valls’ most remarkable traits was his willingness to help others. He remembers seeing Valls on numerous occasions writing checks to foundations with his own money. “Helping others was inherent to his way of acting,” Prieto asserts.

The executive notes that in respect of polticians, Valls maintained good relations with everyone, treating them equally during lunches and meetings.

Despite the ETA threats during those years, Prieto recalls how Valls faced the situation with “surprising naturalness.” Despite the recommendation to install signal jammers in the cars because of threats, Valls initially rejected the idea because of the cost but changed his mind when considering the safety of the bodyguards and what their wives would think, He demonstrated his concern for others even at the most difficult moments.

Prieto respects how Valls maintained a clear distinction between the bank and the foundations linked to it, avoiding any mixing of the two worlds. He liked to personally read the requests for assistance, ensuring the money was correctly allocated. Valls pioneered in offering repayable aid under preferential conditions instead of simple donations. These ‘honor loans’ were repaid to be reused for new assistance, preventing speculation and engaging the beneficiaries’ sense of responsibility.

Luis Valls was a banker and philanthropist throughout his life, helping many people. His support was broad and varied, requiring only the need of one party and the desire to help of the other. The former director of the Office of the Presidency emphasizes that many of these aids remain anonymous, another essential aspect of his understanding of charity.

“Luis Valls is the most intelligent person I have ever met, and the kindest and most honorable person I have ever known,” concludes Miguel Ángel Prieto.