Differences among political partners, particularly between the PSPV-PSOE and Compromís, were settled at the last moment regarding the draft set of comprehensive measures against depopulation. This paves the way for what could be one of the final regulations in the current legislature to be approved in the Valencian Parliament. The Socialist faction withdrew changes aimed at streamlining urban procedures, a move that drew disagreement with Valencians and Unidas Podemos, while the opposition labeled the regulations as too weak, a mere statement of intent, and a lost opportunity.
Contention
During the session, the Local Administrations Commission addressed several issues, including a bill proposing that municipalities with populations under 300 or regions with a density below twelve inhabitants per square kilometer face higher risks of depopulation. Compromís deputy and former minister Vicente Marzà warned that the law would necessitate changes across many areas, delaying its full implementation. Beatriz Gascó of Unidas Podemos agreed that this framework would shape the foundations of regional policy.
Botánic’s final legislative itinerary was set for a Cortes plenary session at month-end, with expectations that it will proceed without a control session for Puig. The committee approved changes to the Botànic project, including provisions to examine the application of rural agricultural income aimed at supporting the maintenance of farming and livestock activities and their environmental contributions. Marzà emphasized that the concept of territorial equality should guarantee access to rights and services for all citizens, streamline housing access, and promote rural tourism.
Compromise
PSPV, Compromís, and Unidas Podemos reached agreement on the amendments during the law debate in the commission, setting the stage for final approval in the Cortes plenary later this month. They also accepted a provisional clause establishing a maximum three-year period for implementing points of the statute that lacked a defined timeframe. Socialist MP Ana Besalduch noted that the law is essential and that there remains time to reach consensus before the plenary session.
From the Popular Group, Elisa Díaz indicated that abstention could be considered if the project evolves with changes, while acknowledging disappointment that it might be diluted into a mere goodwill statement and that issues such as hunting were not addressed. Finance Minister Arcadi criticized the central government’s transfer of the Generalitat’s dispute to the Cortes and highlighted fiscal changes intended to benefit residents in depopulated areas.
For Ciudadanos, Patricia García insisted that the group wanted the law passed, even after proposing forty changes, including the creation of health centers to complete the established rural depopulation strategy. Vox’s José Luis Aguirre called the project insulting and announced the group’s vote against it, arguing that the moment was lost for unanimous approval of a solid law.