Two strategies, one goal

All choices have keys and meanings, but Regional elections reached a projection that far exceeds its regional area in Spain, creating effects that are essential both for the Government of the nation and for the stability of political parties. Sociologist and professor Carlos Gómez Gil from the University of Alicante (UA) adds that this fact has been around for a long time, with some variables that will also come into play on May 28.

The expert elaborates on the issue by emphasizing that the epidemic, war and inflation experienced in recent years around the world and in Spain are so exceptional that they have left their mark on political debates and have polarized the society and shaken the public opinion several times. In recent history. In addition, he points out that the magma of the far right continues to erupt and that the main opposition party has not only found a way of calm and stability after the traumatic departure of its previous leader, in his own words. All this is done without forgetting that a centrist party like Ciudadanos is collapsing with the defeat of many of its leaders, there are problems among the partners of the central government, and a new left political force has emerged. Sumar is in the coalition itself. “No one can deny that the political debate is extremely exciting, there are widespread problems that distort the regional election debate.or”, underlines Gómez Gil.

The question is therefore how this combination of conditions affects and will affect the campaign in the Valencian Community. The UA professor points out that there is an interesting dichotomy between the approach put forward by Carlos Mazón, the PP’s candidate for the Palau de la Generalitat, and the approach proclaimed by the leader of the socialists, Ximo Puig. vote. “In the first case” he says, He did not avoid efforts and polemics to direct his politically tense speeches to the country’s issues. and even silently discusses important Community management issues against the Head of Government, Pedro Sánchez ». Rather, “Ximo Puig faced the campaign from management, advancement and future projects. a distinctive regional anchorage in the set of three Valencian provinces».

For the sociologist, Mazón and his advisers “are aware that guiding the discontent and social polarization that has dragged on in the successive crises since the pandemic can lead them to vote in this entire industry that is dissatisfied with government policies.” On the other hand, “Puig and his team seek to distance themselves from government debates and create a positive discourse with a distinct management profile, achievements and future horizons.”

Coincidence

This is an expert’s diagnosis, and both candidates’ campaign managers agree, albeit with nuances. Miguel Barrachina, on behalf of PP, acknowledges that national issues have a significant weight in Mazón’s messages, and from that point of view it is something he finds perfectly plausible.”situation in the country is reflected in the Community». And he cites some examples, such as sex offenders reduced sentences under the “yes is yes only” law, water cuts, or a lack of investment in our area. But Barrachina stresses that regional issues such as the collapse of the healthcare system, simplification of administrative procedures, water or tax cuts, how it could have been otherwise, were so heavily featured in the campaign.

PSPV campaign manager Miquel Soler agrees completely. Ximo Puig highlights work done over the past eight years. “Management – he says – is the best guarantee for the future and this is very present in our conversations”. Soler emphasizes that there is no spirit of complacency in this sense, and that he conveys the evidence of the results. “All economic and social indicators improved. Health has also progressed a lot despite the impact of the pandemic so that people will know that in light of all this, our offer is serious and we are complying,” he adds.

After the cards are placed on the table, it’s all about figuring out who can do better with their tactic. Sociologist Carlos Gómez Gil points out that both strategies have risks and advantages. «Campaign with a dog’s faceAs Carlos Mazón did, without consideration in his speeches or contemplation in his shots, close to the more ultra-broad sectors, in open competition with Vox, he could lead to his capture of the very ideologized vote, and by making it possible, state discussions through escalation. to be better known.” He adds that the risk is that it may distract him from other, more moderate sectors linked to the region.and with basic needs in line with the powers of the Generalitat.

When faced with this, “offer another white-glove campaign by conducting a management review and making commitments for the future, raises the question of whether it would be sufficient to separate it from the ballasts that exist at the state level and that in many cases, such as financing, water or investments, they harm this Community ».

dilemmas

In any case, the university professor warns that if knowing where Ciudadanos’ votes are going is one of the biggest dilemmas, “balkanization of the election campaign that the PP might appear to have chosen seems unlikely.” is the most accurate way to attract such votes; can compete with the hypothetical government partner, with less and less variation in messages and discourse». On the other hand, the expert said, “As the polls show, if the PSPV needs to increase its mobilization and provoke its voters, It will take some revulsion to make her see the urgency and need for support of her vote.».

In light of all this, Gómez Gil makes a comparison with the war in Ukraine, stating: «It is not yet clear which is more effective: the massive political bombing campaign Mazón relied on, or the precise and selective electoral shootings conducted by Ximo Puig?. It is true that in both cases the morale of the troops will be decisive for victory.

Intense activity to promote the candidate

If there’s one thing Carlos Mazón has a particular downside to, it’s the fact that he’s a new candidate, which could mean that voters don’t know him as well as his rival Ximo Puig, especially in the provinces. Valencia and Castellón are places where he didn’t get much media exposure. PPCV, which organizes many events to spread both its image and discourse, is aware of this.

Miguel Barrachina, responsible for the campaign, since the first week of November, 2,100 actions took place across the Valencian Community, most of which Mazón himself intervened.. “We want to have a mass presence, given that we have a candidate with overwhelming vitality and working capacity. In fact, the days when he participated in more than ten events, and when we got a reaction from the mass of the public, are not uncommon.”

Barrachina also points out that the potential handicap of introducing a new roster president in these elections is already being corrected “as the polls show”.

He adds that the actions are carried out with multiple groups with the aim of conveying the message and disseminating the PP’s electoral program, as well as capturing needs and proposals. Barrachina believes that “we will operate more than any other political entity combined.”

Visiting the squares of all regions

One of the main values ​​of the electoral campaign that PSPV is developing is its tour across all regions of the Community of Valencia. As the responsible person Miquel Soler explained, the purpose of the events held in the main squares of the municipalities is, to make an accounting of the management of the last eight years and to collect suggestions from the public.

Also in this round, Valencian socialists outline their plan to continue moving forward with the goal of “reaching full employment, strengthening social justice and having a more cohesive and sustainable region”.

Re-election candidate Ximo Puig took part in these events in a dynamic combined with more selective meetings and encounters with different social segments, always in order to know their demands and convey the initiatives. these have been developing in the last two periods.

The campaign manager said, “We got together with young people, farmers, businessmen and a long group of people to take notes and learn firsthand what we need to take action on. They have problems and they want solutions, and our commitment is that we will work to try to respond to their requests, whether within our jurisdiction or not corresponding to other administrations. We will demand whatever it takes, and I insist that our management is our best guarantee.