Discussions are intensifying around marking the 40th anniversary of the Statute of Autonomy for the Valencian Community. The strategy launched by PPCV, which announced it would abstain from the commemorative event due to disagreement with the chosen slogan “40 anys fent pais,” will be backed by Ciudadanos and Vox, who also announced they would not participate or would participate as a protest. Consequently, of the six parliamentary groups in the Valencian Courts, only the left-leaning PSPV-PSOE, Compromís, and Unides Podem would express support for the anniversary in suggested institutional terms.
The commemorative event is scheduled for this Wednesday in the former Post Office building in Valencia’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a venue recently acquired by the Generalitat. Reports indicate that if the PP withdraws from activities opposing the chosen motto on Monday, the remaining two opposition parties will likely follow suit on Tuesday. In this context, the President of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, noted that the Valencian Community faces significant challenges and emphasized the need to go beyond partisan politics, focusing on citizens rather than electoral calculations.
Puig expressed concern about the mood of some parties, suggesting they may be denying the Community’s memory or relevance of past governance. He argued for celebrating the anniversary through unity and solidarity, framing self-government as a historic achievement for Valencians during a period of notable progress. He stressed that the region’s identity derives from its long-standing roots and, in line with the Statute’s preamble, considers the Valencian Community a distinct nation with a strong future when the ambitions of self-government are aligned with public service and social welfare.
The president urged moving beyond division to plan public services that improve life for Valencian men and women, aiming for cohesive and effective self-management that best serves the community’s needs.
Divide the Valencians
Ruth Merino, a member of the Cs board, argued that the slogan and its multilingual reception risk dividing Valencians rather than uniting them, justifying their boycott as a stand of protest. She emphasized a deep respect for the Charter and the state of autonomies, contrasting it with approaches that favor centralization over regional governance. Merino asserted that the anniversary should be commemorated and preserved as part of a shared history, while cautioning against any discourse that sharpens ideological divides.
Her colleague from Vox, Maria Vega, stated plainly that there is nothing to celebrate under the current social and economic conditions. Vega highlighted concerns about growing public debt, rising queues for essential services, language rights disparities, and regional disputes over resources. She argued for a renewed national vision of taxation that would reallocate powers back to the central state to ensure uniformity across Spain.
The popular party, represented by María José Catalá, echoed the sentiment that the chosen slogan signals an intent that some view as misguided. Catalá criticized the Generalitat’s leadership for allegedly supporting the language platform’s activities and funding a Catalan festival in Alboraia, stating that such moves fail to reflect governance duties and public accountability.
Meanwhile, Protean voices within Botànic, including figures from the socialist bloc, argued that the anniversary should be seen as a celebration of progress. They contended that opposition voices are narrow-minded and that the occasion should be used to highlight the region’s advances while seeking common ground rather than confrontation.
From the Compromís faction, and others aligned with PPCV and its president Mazón, there were warnings about the risk of political spectacle overshadowing the day’s purpose. They cautioned against actions aimed at grabbing attention or drawing attention away from democratic commitments. They urged focusing on meaningful dialogue and the preservation of the social contract, suggesting that far-right rhetoric should be examined and not normalized as part of the public discourse.
Unides Podem representatives admitted that the approach to the anniversary could be construed as strategic maneuvering and competition with Vox for leadership of the self-management agenda. They stressed pride in the Charter and called for responsible participation that reinforces the community’s shared governance model rather than undermines it.
Valencianophobia
The Minister of Democratic Quality, Rosa Pérez Garijo, countered that the Generalitat’s commemorative campaign was designed to reflect its own slogan and branding. She accused the PP of resisting the region’s origins, language, and culture, labeling the criticism as Valencianophobia. Statements from Esquerra Unida’s coordinator reinforced the view that the previous two decades of governance failed to respect the region’s plurality, arguing there remains space within Botànic for all Valencians who support self-government and progress.
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