decency and sympathy, by Jordi Alberich

With Enric Corominas We are missing a way of understanding the meaning of the liberal bourgeoisie, one that is based on an industrial conception of economic relations; the industry understood as a long-term shared projectin which the property and the last of the employees, even in very different cabins, they sail in the same boat and they need each other. Only in this way can the civic career of Enric Corominas be understood since, aware of belonging to the business elite, he knew that he shared a destiny with the rest of the citizens.

As a continuation of an industrial saga deeply rooted in the city of Sabadell, he assumed responsibilities at the head of various textile companies, until the winds of globalization forced the relocation of production to third countries. A business vocation that he continued to develop in The Caixa and various of its affiliated companies. In parallel, his commitment to the common good led him to be actively linked to the institutional world, especially in the Círculo de Economía, of which he was a founder in 1958 and president in the 80s. From the Círculo promoted the creation of the Ramon Llull University which he later chaired. A contribution to general interests that also covered the world of sports, especially swimming and sailing.

The gift of empathy

Behind this relevant curriculum lies the most interesting of Enric Corominas: a unique and attractive personality, of which I would like to highlight three main features. The first, her civic courage. He was a brave person, capable of giving his opinion freely; often surprising his interlocutors with considerations that, loaded with spontaneity, broke with the conservatism and caution expected of a businessman. Thus, during his presidency of the Circle, He was the only business leader to demonstrate in favor of Spain’s entry into NATO and in not succumbing, on various occasions, to the close and overwhelming pressure of political power, which did not quite understand the independence of the entity.

I also remember his discretion and sobriety, radically removed from the ostentation of wealth that is so abundant in our days and that he disliked so much. Accustomed to living with everyone, he developed the empathy that allowed him to understand the discomfort of the less fortunate and the unfairness of delving into impudent inequality. In some way, he endorsed the renewing spirit of that social doctrine of the Church that guided many business leaders of his generation, in their common desire to join the Europe of justice and democracy.

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Finally, he was of enormous intellectual curiosity, a great expert in painting as well as a good reader, with a natural passion for discovering new worlds. Interested in thought and history, he was both convinced and concerned that, as Mark Twain pointed out, “history does not repeat itself but tends to rhyme”.

I met Quique in 1984 when, while he was president, I joined the Círculo de Economía. Forty years give to know a person; to remember his kindness, closeness and sense of friendship. A rich and sophisticated personality, which allowed him to manage the most complex circumstances naturally; with that smile or comment loaded with fine irony, essential to right a good wrong. yours has been a life full of decency and sympathy. An indelible memory for his family, his dear nephew Joan and all of us who have known him.

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