Vargas Llosa snubs Cervantes Institute job
Peruvian author tells king: Thanks, but no thanks
Mario Vargas Llosa has declined King Juan Carlos’ offer to preside over the prestigious Cervante Institute after deciding that the role of an ambassador of the Spanish-language would conflict with his literary career.
The Nobel-prize winning author rejected the king's offer in a letter sent to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. However, the Peruvian-born writer, who has Spanish nationality, offered to contribute to the Cervantes Institute in any way he can. Last week, the king personally asked the 75-year-old Vargas-Llosa to head up the institute. "If your majesty asks me, then I will have to think it over," he told the king.
The Popular Party government will have to look for another candidate to replace Carmen Caffarel, who was appointed by the previous Socialist administration.
