José Manuel Vela Bargues (1962 – 16 July 2022) was a Spanish economist and politician from the Valencian Community.

Vela served as the Valencian Minister of Finance and Public Administration [es] from 22 June 2011 until his resignation on 30 November 2012.

[1] On 22 June 2011, Francisco Camps, the president of the Valencian Community, appointed Vela as Minister of Finance and Public Administration [es].

[3][6] On 21 November 2012, Vela was alleged to have leaked confidential documents regarding the Cooperation Case [es], in which Rafael Blasco [es], a People's Party (PP) member of the Corts Valencianes and a prominent minister, was accused and ultimately found guilty of bribery and embezzlement.

[8] Politicians from across the political spectrum commemorated Vela's death, with both PP leader Carlos Mazón and the opposing Spanish Socialist Workers' Party both offering condolences.