It was the final day of the congress, and the fatigue was plainly evident. A little extra caffeine helped recharge the attendees after a night that stretched into extended social moments and conversations that lingered well past dinner. The atmosphere carried a mix of relief and anticipation as participants prepared to wrap up sessions and reflect on what had been discussed, debated, and decided over the past hours.
Franco, moving from group to group, kept the momentum going. He wasn’t simply talkative for the sake of chatter; he became a focal point in many conversations, including among those who hadn’t traveled from the provinces. In hindsight, it seemed that the Valencian and Castellonese contingents found the inclusion of a long-dormant figure in the new leadership list surprising, especially given his proximity to decades of involvement and his approaching octogenarian years. With distance, the move to reintegrate someone who had long controlled the local party machinery appeared even more striking to observers outside that circle.
“Selfie” became a shared memory for many in attendance. The moment was seized by the new board under Morant, who posed for a photo alongside Pedro Sánchez, photographed by Ernest Blanch, a Castellón native. The general secretary seized the chance to capture a personal moment with her parents and sister at the close of the event, adding a personal touch to a formal occasion.
Sánchez appeared in the congress, though his visit was brisk. Despite the earlier start hour of 9:30, the president missed the formal presentation of the executive and had already departed by noon to celebrate his wife Begoña Gómez’s birthday. Still, he found time to greet members of La Habitación Roja, the band that had played the night before at the socialist party’s celebration, signaling a blend of political duties and social engagement that characterized the event.
Guarded doors and a visible security presence marked the perimeter of the event. At the exterior of the Benicàssim venue, a small group gathered with Spanish flags bearing the slogan “Gobierno dimisión.” They gave celebratory salutes and directed hostile remarks toward politicians and journalists. Some of these protests occurred even before the congress formally adjourned, drawing attention from visitors staying at the hotel and contributing to a sense of unease for other delegates and guests who had expected a calmer environment.
A striking appearance drew cheers from the crowd: a prominent delegation member wore a shirt in homage to a local music group. Pilar Bernabé, the government’s representative for the area, was seen wearing a Zoo band shirt, an unmistakable nod to regional culture. Her leadership of the Institutional Affairs office earned her wide applause during the executive presentation, and she carried herself with poise throughout the event, even as other moments unfolded around her.
While the agenda moved along with the rhythm of speeches and introductions, the human side of the congress—personal stories, quick exchanges, and a few spontaneous jokes—left a lasting impression. Attendees recalled not just the policies discussed, but the energy that comes from a gathering of long-time colleagues and newcomers alike. In the end, the congress stood as a microcosm of a party at a crossroads: diverse voices, evolving leadership, and a readiness to navigate the political terrain ahead with renewed focus and a shared sense of purpose.