Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez appointed a new foreign minister, replacing Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya, but kept the economy minister in a cabinet reshuffle on Saturday.

Jose Manuel Alparis took over as Foreign Minister, succeeding Arancha, who was widely criticized for her handling of a crisis with Morocco, after agreeing to treat Ibrahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front - which seeks independence for Western Sahara - in a hospital in Spain.

Isabel Rodriguez will become the new government spokeswoman and Minister of Lands, while Nadia Calvino will retain the economic portfolio and additionally assume the position of First Deputy Prime Minister.

The five members of Unidas Podemos "Together We Can" - a minority partner in the coalition government - also retained their positions.