The 28-M electoral shift in the Balearic and Valencian communities stands out from afar, whether one looks from Eixample or Empordà. Yet its consequences ripple through the Catalan language sphere, where a market of 7.5 million people carries a different weight. It is almost as if a single vote could tip the balance for millions in the broader cultural landscape. Joan Gregori, president of the Valencian Music Association, greeted this prospect with a mix of sorrow and guarded humor, insisting loudly that people should try to avoid ideological prejudice while acknowledging the gravity of the moment.
Across conversations daily, a quiet forecast emerges: hard times are not merely a possibility but a likelihood. When events unfold, statements linger: every time you hear from PP, there is a perception that work opportunities shrink or disappear. In Palma, Yanni Munujos, the manager for Maria del Mar Bonet, explains to visitors how this sentiment plays out in Valencia’s public arts scene, including venues like the Auditori de Castelló. The sense is clear that the circuit of universities might become a refuge, a place where artists and cultural workers can ride out fewer commissions and limited stage time. Raimon, a figure in these conversations, understands this dynamic all too well, speaking to the realities of a fragile cultural ecosystem.
The most disquieting development is not simply a reshuffling of party lines but the emergence of a potential coalition that could redefine public culture. Vox, the political addition that has sent ripples through the region, adds a layer of risk that could endure well beyond the immediate electoral date. The fear is that if Feijóo enters Moncloa with Vox as a partner, policy priorities might tilt toward a punitive, revenge-tinged mode rather than constructive dialogue. Fanny Tur, who previously served as a Balearic Culture council member, warns of a danger that could surface in Education or Cultural policy, particularly around the Catalan language, if the alliance tightens its grip. The worry is not about a single issue but about a broader atmosphere that could chill artistic expression and regional autonomy.
Many fear that cultural circuits could suffer neglect or disruption in theaters and public auditoriums. Valencia, in particular, has spent eight years weaving a stable dialogue among institutions, artists, and funders. The concern is not limited to a single city; it touches the entire cultural network across the region. Gregori, who also directs the Trovam music fair, stresses that cultural policy should address concrete industry needs. He argues that support ought to be formalized and aligned with real demands, rather than remaining abstract or episodic. The aim is to maintain a vibrant cultural life that can withstand political shifts without sacrificing quality or accessibility for audiences.
Inside the Balearic Islands, allegiance to the Institut Ramon Llull remains a cornerstone of cultural exchange and programming. The health of the Symphony Orchestra and its forthcoming headquarters are emblematic of a cultural project that extends beyond a single election cycle. The prospect of a PP plus Vox coalition makes it hard to imagine a figure like Any Fuster, who once connected Catalan government efforts with partnerships in Valencia and the Balearics, continuing to find a steady footing within the existing landscape. These concerns highlight how governance choices ripple through cultural institutions, funding streams, and creative collaborations that underpin everyday artistic life.
No government is perfect, and the friction created by stalled appointments and bureaucratic bottlenecks has real consequences. Those who are now muttering about abstention in Catalonia might consider looking a bit further south and toward the sea, recognizing that political decisions in one region can set a precedent for others. The message is straightforward: different administrations may share a surface similarity, but their impact on culture, education, and regional identity can diverge in meaningful ways. The evolving political equation invites citizens to scrutinize how policies support language preservation, regional autonomy, and the practical needs of theaters, orchestras, and cultural workers who keep communities connected through shared stories and sounds.