Business leaders made their position clear to the head of the Generalitat from the Valencian Community, Ximo Puig. The priority is a new political path focused on fighting inflation, especially the surge in energy costs that presses hard on much of the productive sector. They described the moves as necessary decisions, even if difficult, and called for government and revenue agreements that keep essential activities alive.
This message was conveyed to fifty of the region’s top executives during the traditional end-of-summer meeting hosted by the Valencian Community Chamber Council. The event, chaired by José Vicente Morata, took place at a restaurant in the Albufera region. Ministers Rafael Climent, Arcadi Spain, and Rebeca Torrón attended on the institutional side. The Alicante province was represented by the presidents of the Alicante Chamber, Carlos Bath; from Alcoy, Grace Paul; and from Orihuela, Mario Martinez, alongside leaders from companies such as Carmencita, Servigroup, and Vectalia, among others.
Morata highlighted that employment, tourism, and exports are central metrics, while he warned that a recession could be avoided only if governments implement measures to prevent energy costs from forcing companies to shut down. He urged policymakers to adopt drastic measures if needed to ensure ongoing production and export capacity, especially in economically sensitive areas.
The call was for government agreements on leases and infrastructure, aimed at allowing society to continue functioning. All of this, Morata noted, hinges on energy prices and how they impact various sectors that have already faced increases in electricity and gas costs. Puig, who was already at lunch, specifically referenced sectors like tiling that are particularly affected by rising energy prices.
In the session’s closing moments, Puig was photographed with Mario Martinez, chair of the Orihuela Chamber, José Vicente Morata of Valencia, María Dolores Guillamón of Castellón, Carlos Bath of Alicante, and Pablo de Gracia from Alcoy, among others. These images reflected a gathering of regional business leadership aligned on the energy challenge and economic resilience. The discussion underscored the importance of maintaining open channels between business leaders and political authorities to address current financial pressures. These sessions are seen as a backbone for coordinating regional responses to energy-driven cost pressures, with business optimism tied closely to the stability of the Valencian economy amid external shocks.
Puig later emphasized in comments to the press before the lunch that Morata’s assessment of Valencian economic indicators remains positive despite the looming risk from the Ukraine war. He reiterated support for government measures to curb price increases and argued that Europe should take action to limit energy costs. In his view, there is no alternative that would prevent European industry from suffering a decline, and the market environment demands decisive policy intervention to sustain competitiveness and jobs across the region, as noted by several attendees and observers. These positions align with a broader strategy to shield domestic firms from energy-driven cost spikes while keeping inflation in check.
Regarding the region’s long-term plans, Puig outlined a forthcoming budget framework for the Generalitat designed to restore stability and reduce inflationary uncertainty while maintaining employment growth. The plan includes measures to assist both companies and workers. A tax reform is anticipated to accompany the budget, with a progressive approach intended to support the middle and working classes, contrasting opinions expressed by the PP on progressive tax principles. However, business attendees showed limited interest in debating the tax reform during the luncheon, focusing instead on practical steps to safeguard economic activity and employment levels.
Puig on tax reform and social equity
Within the dialog, the vice president Yolanda Díaz’s proposal to cap food prices sparked considerable debate. Some representatives from agricultural and employer groups voiced concerns about endorsing voluntary measures and emphasized the need for a balanced approach. Puig argued that there are no magic solutions and urged the search for dialogue and consensus across the entire food chain to align efforts. The overarching aim is a joint effort that mitigates price pressures without triggering unintended consequences across sectors and supply chains.
Business leaders also stressed the importance of reducing bureaucratic obstacles and streamlining administrative procedures. They urged reforms that would speed up regulatory processes and improve the overall efficiency of the economic system, enabling quicker responses to changing market conditions and energy price fluctuations. The overarching message from the gathering was a call for proactive governance and practical policy tools to sustain growth, employment, and export capacity while managing energy-related costs and inflation.