 In the pre-autonomous stage, the General Council of Castile and León (1978–83) was chaired by Juan Manuel Reol Tejada (UCD) during the period 1978–80 and by José Manuel García-Verdugo Candón (UCD) during the period 1981–83.The President can appoint and dismiss freely one or more vice-presidents.At the head of each ministry there is a minister, who is appointed freely by the President, and each one is subdivided into departments that coordinate and direct the administrative services.