The pre-election campaign is intensifying as the campaign period nears its formal start. Two days into the voting demand period and with 19 polling stations in operation, the Generalitat chairman and re-election candidate Ximo Puig used a public appearance by his counterpart from the Government to sharpen his critique of the main rival, the People’s Party. The gathering took place in Castellón, drawing attention to the fight for first place in both votes and seats in the Valencian Parliament.
In a packed auditorium, with Pedro Sánchez present alongside Castellón’s mayor and re-election candidate Amparo Marco, Puig warned about what he described as the PP’s nervous posture during the campaign. He recalled his own experiences in connection with corruption cases and suggested that rallies associated with the PP had taken a troubling turn. Puig cited examples from recent events, alluding to a controversial atmosphere around leaders and demonstrations, arguing that the PP’s approach has shifted towards confrontation rather than constructive leadership. He framed the choice before voters as a straightforward decision between a track record of controversies and a program focused on public progress.
Puig asserted that neither Castellón nor the Valencian Community resemble their situation eight years ago. He highlighted what he characterized as a lack of constructive projects from past administrations and positioned his own party as a force meant to solve citizens’ problems and improve daily life, contrasting it with the opposition’s alleged habit of opposition for opposition’s sake, which he described as deception and disruption.
Tax policy formed a central part of the discussion. Puig criticized the right’s stance on tax cuts, arguing that their rhetoric would lead to freezing or privatizing essential public services. He pointed out the historical context, noting that in 2015 low-income Valencians bore a heavy burden, while later periods saw a shift in who pays taxes. Puig framed his party as committed to fiscal justice and progressive taxation that supports social programs and public services.
Betting on housing emerged as a key policy theme for Puig. Sánchez’s appearance followed Puig’s remarks, marking Sánchez’s penultimate stop in the Community of Valencia ahead of May elections. Sánchez reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting the ceramics industry and stressed that the government operates with a results-oriented mindset, prioritizing accountability and leadership in policy execution.
Sánchez also lauded Ximo Puig’s steadfast commitment to reversing privatization moves seen under previous administrations. He called the effort to preserve public health and ensure accessible care a significant achievement and emphasized the importance of maintaining robust social guarantees. The housing agenda was framed as foundational for expanding welfare protections, with a focus on concrete steps rather than promises.
Further to this, Sánchez highlighted housing measures such as guarantees for affordable loans and plans to construct thousands of new homes on land previously managed by the Ministry of Defense. He contrasted these tangible actions with opposition rhetoric about land and luxury, arguing that housing policy should be viewed as a constitutional right rather than a political talking point. The discussion centered on delivering real housing projects and ensuring that state policy aligns with the needs of families and workers.
Throughout the event, the speakers underscored the contrast between a program aimed at practical, people-centered governance and the opposition’s emphasis on broad critique. The dialogue suggested that the coming electoral contest would hinge on voters’ assessment of who can deliver results in public services, housing, and economic fairness. The focus on housing, taxes, and manufacturing sectors like ceramics painted a picture of a governance approach that prioritizes social protection, economic opportunity, and transparent administration. The overarching message called for responsible leadership and a steady commitment to public welfare in the Valencian Community and beyond, reflecting a broader debate about the balance between growth, equity, and efficient public services. The rhetoric conveyed an expectation that voters consider both record and future plans when deciding whom to support in the elections.