Agueda Micó’s recent intervention in Congress marked a historic moment for Valencian speakers. He became the first Valencian MP to address the lower house in his native language, delivering remarks that underscored the importance of linguistic diversity in national institutions. From the gallery, Micó conveyed a message that languages beyond Spanish matter to a broad audience across five autonomous communities and three European states, highlighting how multilingual communication can enrich parliamentary dialogue.
The moment drew significant attention as the first time a Valencian speaker used Valencian on the floor of the Congress of Deputies. A post capturing the event circulated widely, noting the novelty and the visibility of this linguistic statement in a high‑level legislative setting.
Micó made his debut as deputy speaker of the multinational Sumar group, choosing Valencian for debates about relaxing regulations to allow official languages to be used in autonomous communities. The reform would apply to both plenary sessions and committee discussions, with the proposal advancing despite opposition from the PP and Vox. The goal was to broaden linguistic rights and ensure official languages receive recognition in state proceedings while maintaining parliamentary procedures and accessibility.
Micó described language as a way of seeing and understanding the world, adding that the moment belonged not only to him but to everyone who has faced discrimination or been attacked for their language. He credited thousands of people who have worked, fought, and contributed to the preservation and growth of Valencian throughout history, asserting that a community’s language carries collective memory and cultural vitality.
The General Assembly subsequently approved the reform to the Statutes of the Congress to permit the use of languages with official status in autonomous regions, including Valencian, during both plenary sessions and committee work. The measure was celebrated for expanding access to public dialogue and recognizing linguistic diversity within the national framework. A formal acknowledgement accompanied the vote, paying tribute to teachers who have devoted their careers to sustaining the Valencian language and to families who have passed on its values to future generations. Volunteers who work to promote Valencian every day were highlighted as agents ensuring the language remains a living, evolving symbol of inclusivity and belonging for new residents and diverse communities alike.
In his remarks, Micó criticized opponents for attempting to slow democratic progress and rejected the notion that supporting linguistic rights incurs excessive costs. He emphasized that protecting rights is essential and that corruption imposes a far greater burden on society. He also noted that some colleagues could be seen joking during the debate, underscoring the tolerant yet vigilant atmosphere required in parliamentary discourse. When a fellow member referenced Basque language use in discussing the statute reform, Micó recalled a political line that urged resilience and steadfastness in the face of criticism.
Reflecting on the structure of the current parliament, Micó stated that Sumar is a multinational group by design, mirroring the country itself. He argued that pluralism should be a normal feature both in public life and in institutions, asserting that the essence of democracy lies in guaranteeing the rights and representation of all citizens, including linguistic minorities. The event underscored a broader commitment to inclusive governance, where language is seen not as a barrier but as a bridge that connects diverse communities and enriches the democratic process. The moment is remembered as a milestone in recognizing Valencian as a living part of Spain’s national dialogue, with implications for how linguistic diversity is understood and practiced in policy discussions and public life across the country.