One in particular, Ana Patricia Botin, daughter of Mr Botin, probably wants his job.

ECONOMIST: A spat in Spanish banking

Mr Botin's victory over Mr Amusategui leaves Mr Corcostegui, the bank's chief executive, in a tricky position.

ECONOMIST: A spat in Spanish banking

"Profits reached a turning point in 2012, " said the bank's chairman, Emilio Botin.

BBC: Santander profits hit by Spain bad loans

To everyone's amazement, he also considered legal action against Mr Botin.

ECONOMIST: A spat in Spanish banking

"The bank's capacity to generate profit enables us to set aside hefty real estate provisions in Spain in 2012 and significantly increase non-performing loan coverage, " Santander chairman Emilio Botin said.

BBC: Santander profits sink 90% on bad property loans

No doubt SAN patriarch and chairman Mr. Emilio Botin objects on the flimsy argument that SAN is down almost 50% from its 52 week high and 70% down from its 2008 all-time high.

FORBES: Spain: Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire

Still, Mr Botin had the last word.

ECONOMIST: A spat in Spanish banking