Botànic II renews its course in Valencia governance

Botànic II renews its course. The Valencia regional government faces a reshuffle as four ministers depart this week, pushing Consell president Ximo Puig to appoint new leaders for key portfolios with vacancies. Vincent Marza, who previously led Education, began a period of personnel changes in the core Valencian administration to steer the final year of this legislative term. — Source: El País

Vincent Soler (tax authorities), Main Barcelona (Health) and Caroline Pascual (Universities) are among the ministers who have left the Valencian government to take on roles as PSPV trustees in Corts Valencianes. David Spain, previously handling Land Policy, will replace Soler in Finance. The Sustainable Economy regional secretary, Rebecca Torró, will assume the Finance portfolio.

This is how the new Consell de la Generalitat Valenciana appears after the May 2022 changes LIFT-EMV

Arcadi Spain replaces Soler as Treasury head

Arcadi Spain, formerly Minister of Land Policy, is among the Consell president’s most trusted aides. He accepted Puig’s placement request and will take over the Treasury, succeeding Vicen Soler, who leaves a tenure spanning seven years to oversee a major department. This internal move triggers another appointment for the Infrastructure portfolio, with Rebecca Torró named to fill the role after being dismissed as regional secretary for Sustainable Economics.

Raquel Tamarit to lead Education

An evening gathering of Compromís, following Marzà’s resignation, quickly appointed a new head of the Ministry of Education. Raquel Tamarit, previously the regional secretary for Culture and Sport, will succeed Marzà. She is closely connected to the current Congress spokesperson, Joan Baldoví, and has served as the mayor of Sueca. Her academic background aligns with the ministry’s teaching mission.

Miguel Mínguez Pérez to direct Health

Secrecy surrounded Ana Barceló’s departure until the end of the week, when it was announced that Barceló would leave the Health portfolio after steering it through the pandemic era. Polls have described Barceló as one of Botànic’s most recognized and respected ministers. He will resign from his current post to become PSPV’s trustee in Corts Valencianes after Manolo Mata left the chamber. The Generalitat president confirmed the name of Barceló’s replacement: Miguel Mínguez Pérez, a researcher at Incliva and a university professor at the University of Valencia.

Josefina Bueno takes on Universities

Josefina Bueno, previously the district senator for the Valencia region, will assume responsibility for the Universities and Innovation ministry. She will oversee operations from Alicante, as Pascual steps aside. Bueno accepted Puig’s proposal after a late Friday meeting in Palau. Her track record, including involvement with the University and the Directorate-General for Research and Science, positioned her as a strong fit for the portfolio.

Bueno’s appointment marks a shift in Botànic’s second term, aligning the administration with a broader decentralization strategy while aiming to boost visibility and impact across the region. Elche’s representative was set to resign before completing the first year of the term, with a budget of 50 million for Innovation under consideration as part of this transition.

Ximo Puig explains the Consell changes during a public appearance. PACO CALABUIG

Botànic endures these changes in the Consell

• President of the Generalitat: Ximo Puig.

• Vice President and Minister for Equality and Inclusive Policies: Mónica Oltra.

• Second Vice-President and Minister of Housing and Bioclimatic Architecture: Héctor Illueca.

• Minister of Finance and Economic Model: David Spain (replacing Vicent Soler).

• Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration: Gabriela Bravo.

• Minister of Education, Culture and Sports: Raquel Tamarit, succeeding Vicent Marzà.

• Minister of Universal Health and Public Health: Miguel Mínguez Pérez (succeeding Ana Barceló).

• Minister of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labor: Rafael Clima.

• Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition: Mireia Mollà.

• Minister of Land Policy, Public Works and Mobility: Rebecca Torró (replacing Arcadi Spain).

• Minister of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society: Josefina Bueno (replacing Carolina Pascual).

• Minister for Participation, Transparency, Cooperation and Democratic Quality: Rose Pérez Garijo.