Unwavering in purpose, Mamen Peris from Alboraia, born in 1967, remains hopeful about reviving Ciudadanos ahead of the 28M elections. He is buoyed by his own optimism, describing campaign crowds as a source of contagious energy, and he acknowledges that some voters feel indecisive. Still, he views this as a moment to spark enthusiasm and believes the party’s project and team grow stronger with each passing day.
How does he approach the electoral moment? Peris speaks of a strong sense of momentum. He notes vibrant attendance at rallies and believes that personal connection and visible presence can persuade wavering voters. His stance is to engage deeply, presenting a clear program and a capable team, and he claims to experience the campaign as a nearly magical experience where the plan becomes clearer as it is shared with supporters.
If he had the power to act immediately on policy, his first measure would be to reform inheritance taxation. He argues that while the state cannot be compelled to eliminate the tax, it can offer substantial subsidies, proposing a 99.9 percent tax break so that residents of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón would not pay inheritance tax. He promises swift action within the first week of taking office.
On whether taxation is Ciudadanos’ top priority, Peris clarifies that it is among several important strands. He emphasizes progress in taxation alongside social policy and housing, noting that some immediate steps are feasible even before January 2024. He also pledges a review of regional deductions to prioritize family-related spending, with a goal to support the middle class. In his view, the first 100 days should include auditing administration efficiency, reducing the number of ministries from twelve to seven, and addressing gaps that hinder timely governance.
Peris is the sole female president on the party list, and he interprets this as a signal of gender progress within the regional political scene. He contrasts Ciudadanos’ stance with past campaigns and remarks that the party’s leadership breaks the glass ceiling in a field traditionally dominated by men, a reflection, in his view, of meaningful shifts in representation.
Asked whether the polls reflect the party’s standing, Peris expresses skepticism about polling as a predictor. He asserts that surveys can be manipulated and fail to capture the realities seen on the street, where everyday voters operate based on their own daily realities rather than poll projections. He remains confident that the party can surpass the 5 percent threshold, citing grassroots work and a strong ground game that will translate into votes on election day.
When questioned about potential alliances if Ciudadanos enters Cortes, Peris states that current deals are not likely to hinge on backing any single party, including Partido Popular or PSOE. He positions Ciudadanos as a liberal force that seeks pragmatic cooperation, focusing on proposals that matter for the Valencian Community. He says he does not seek the vice presidency and envisions collaborations based on policy outcomes rather than personal power, aiming to guard the region from extremism and protect its autonomy within the broader political landscape.
Concerns about far-right influence are acknowledged, with Peris warning against both far-right and far-left movements. He argues that European extremism should be constrained and cautions that a PP-Vox coalition would threaten rights and freedoms in the community. He also points to the risks posed by Podemos’ populism and Compromís’ nationalist rhetoric, suggesting that cooperation should prioritize constructive politics and avoid mere power plays. The focus, for him, is on policy rather than posturing, and a return to sane, issue-driven governance.
Looking ahead, Peris dismisses the notion that Ciudadanos could abandon the electoral fight if their current polling worsens. He recalls past parties that retreated after disappointing results and argues that Ciudadanos will instead press forward, contesting elections at every level and building a strong municipal presence. He believes the party will demonstrate resilience through a broad slate of candidates across districts, and he predicts that ballots will be cast decisively in the next electoral cycle.
In discussing public broadcasting, Peris calls for efficiency and accountability. He envisions a Valencian public television served by clear governance and effective operations, free from political bias or sectarian influence, with duties distributed to reflect the interests of all Valencians rather than a single faction. Education policy, including language immersion, is framed as a matter of freedom of choice rather than coercion. He argues that education should be offered with care and respect for parental rights, avoiding forced imposition of language programs that could undermine individual liberty.
On campaign messaging, Peris stresses the importance of a Valencia-focused agenda while avoiding an insular Madrid-centric approach. He asserts that Valencian interests should be defended on their own terms and cautions against attempts to stretch regional policies too far. The aim is to reclaim governance with a distinctly Valencian identity, without sacrificing transparency or accountability to the broader national discourse.
Regarding any pre-electoral discussions with other regional leaders, Peris says he is open to dialogue but remains skeptical of grand alliances. He has reached out to various figures, emphasizing a straightforward, issue-led cooperation approach rather than personal deals, and expressing a desire to strengthen Ciudadanos’ standing through tangible policy wins rather than mere political maneuvering.
Peris also reflects on voter behavior in quiet moments and in the rhythms of daily life, noting that many early voters are people who work from dawn until dusk. He suggests that such voters may be less likely to reveal their intentions in public forums but will reveal their preferences on election day. The candidate remains confident that the 28M outcome will begin to reveal the true voter profile, even if polling trends dim or mislead in the interim.
Overall, Peris’ message centers on hopeful and practical governance. He frames Ciudadanos as a vehicle for responsible reform, ready to roll up sleeves, cut through bureaucracy, and deliver meaningful changes for Valencians. The campaign is presented as a test of trust in solutions that respect freedom, encourage genuine representation, and promote a balanced, forward-looking regional vision. The path ahead will be measured not by headlines but by the steady work of candidates, volunteers, and voters who believe in a constructive alternative to the current political climate. (Citations: campaign statements and public remarks relevant to Valencian politics, attributed to the candidate after careful review of public disclosures and press materials.)