In Callosa de Segura, the former president of the Generalitat and current senator, Ximo Puig, was warmly welcomed at a centenary celebration for a major socialist-aligned group in the Vega Baja. The event drew scores of local councilors and mayors who gathered to mark Puig’s first public appearance since the start of the transition process within the PSPV-PSOE leadership. Puig spoke with his characteristic warmth, recalling the strong rapport he has always felt with the region and noting that Callosa has long been the place he most often visited during his eight years in office. The gathering also underscored the region’s ongoing commitment to the Vega Renhace Plan, the emblem of the regional administration’s current strategic priorities.
The focus of the day extended beyond ceremonial remarks to questions from journalists, reflecting the broader leadership handoff taking place within the PSOE. After Ferraz signaled approval for Diana Morant to be the sole candidate to replace Puig and to integrate the other contenders, the Elche native Alejandro Soler became a central figure in the campaign’s coordination, while Carlos Fernández Bielsa, who did not attend the event as planned and arrived late, acknowledged Puig’s role and accepted responsibility. Bielsa stated that his priority was to consider Valencian wellbeing and the socialist project, expressing the belief that a positive transition would allow Valencians to look forward with opportunity. He added that the true focus lay with the people’s heroes who drive civic progress.
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The senator signaled his intent to support Morant’s candidacy and pledged to assist to the extent possible, while stressing that he would not obstruct her path. When asked about potential deals within the PSPV, he emphasized that cohesion and integration capacity would largely shape the process, while acknowledging that a different arrangement might also be possible if the frontrunners had to contend with one another early in the contest. He framed the project’s trajectory as one that serves society rather than personal interests.
Puig reserved praise for his successor and predicted Morant’s leadership would bring stability. He also highlighted a core principle: equality between men and women. He reflected on his own tenure and described it as extraordinary to witness the party’s evolution toward a more inclusive leadership. He expressed hope that by 2027 Morant could become the first president of PSPV within the Valencian Community, noting the symbolic significance of such progress for the party’s broader agenda.
Puig took care to distance the party from internal rifts, urging militants to focus on uniting against political forces seen as threats to workers and the social majority. The Callosa gathering, which also featured prominent figures such as Ángel Franco and several socialist MPs, culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Puig and the group’s local secretary and mayor. The proceedings closed with a traditional International song performed by Fran Maciá, accompanied by the former regional leader, signaling momentum for the centenary celebrations. A post-event cocktail concluded the centenary program for this long-standing socialist group in Callosa de Segura.
In attendance were key party voices and local leaders, whose presence underscored the ongoing effort to harmonize the party’s leadership with the region’s social and economic objectives. The event served not only to celebrate a century of socialist activity but to solidify the path forward for Valencian politics as Morant’s candidacy advances and the party continues to shape its strategy for national and regional governance. The day’s mood reflected a clear message: unity, forward planning, and public service remain at the heart of the PSPV’s mission, as reported by multiple attendees and observers at the event (Source attribution to PSPV-PSOE communications).