Overview of the PSPV Extraordinary Congress and Leadership Change
In Benicàssim, a strategic move unfolds as Diana Morant aims to formalize a new, mathematically informed approach to internal governance within the PSPV. The goal is to shape a culture that reflects a different balance of regional influence, planning to allocate executive roles based on measurable representation. The process leaves room for each faction to propose names, and only at the end will the function of each position be clarified, with the understanding that the prestige of the title should not override substance.
The central premise shared by party sources is that the use of quantitative tools should secure a fair distribution, reducing the late-night frictions traditionally seen during the final hours of the congress.
The proposed framework for the distribution map would begin from the delegate tally for the congress, viewed as a map of territorial clout. Out of 448 delegates set to participate next weekend, a little over 60 percent align loyally with Morant. The remaining votes are spread among adherents of provincial secretaries in Alicante and Valencia, Alejandro Soler and Carlos Fernández Bielsa, with a smaller segment aligned with the faction around former minister José Luis Ábalos, now part of the mixed group in Congress after the controversy involving his adviser Koldo García.
Organizational Secretariat and the Power Structure
The inner circle of the executive is already taking shape. The new secretary-general will be accompanied by Soler as president and Bielsa as deputy secretary-general, two leaders who ran for the top post and eventually reached an agreement as required by the party leadership. One pivotal seat remains unfilled: the Secretariat of Organization.
The minister continues to be tight-lipped about the final lineup. Two close names frequently appear in discussions, though both face concerns. Vicent Mascarell, Morant’s principal ally during this pre-congress phase, and Pilar Bernabé figure prominently. Mascarell comes from the Gandia group with Morant, signaling a potentially heavy concentration of influence. Bernabé serves as Government Delegate, a role demanding significant dedication. Other names whispered include the senator Rocío Briones, associated with the ximista faction, and Ana Besalduch from Castellón.
In another layer, the congress will spotlight key figures such as Pedro Sánchez and the party’s number two and government vice president, María Jesús Montero. Montero’s presence is tied to her Finance ministry role and the broader issue of regional funding—a longstanding Valencian aim that remains disputed. Her participation in the congress should be read through two lenses: politically, as an advocate for managing the Government’s finances and, personally, because of the close ties with Morant and the backing she received during negotiations to present Morant as the sole candidate.
Pedro Sánchez is expected to cap the event with his customary closing address on the final day.
These are the lines of the extraordinary congress program, with the main day set for Saturday. Delegates are anticipated to vote on the new executive and the national committee before 8 p.m., without the usual late-night bargaining. Since the slate is a single candidate, there will be no alternatives to Morant’s team. Delegates will vote yes or empty ballots, as voting no is not on the table, while the national committee may still see multiple lists, though that outcome is unlikely.
That day will also feature an update debate on the political platform from the last congress. Enactment of amendments will not be possible in this session.
During the Saturday afternoon, the party plans a panel addressing alternatives to denialism, including responses to climate change discourse, gender and diversity policies, and cultural censorship.
The congress will begin with a Friday preliminary day that will host a municipalist forum in line with earlier congress preludes for the PSPV. Education Minister and government spokesperson Pilar Alegría is expected to participate.