Executive Board Plenary Reflects on Normalcy and New Governance Dynamics
The opening plenary session of Valencia’s Executive Board following local and district elections aimed to frame a sense of normalcy, yet the discussion quickly sharpened around the uncertainties of a reshaped political landscape. Aitana Mas, the consell spokesperson and vice-president, presented the day’s core topics and fielded questions about how the new configuration might be evaluated. “I’m worried about what might happen,” Mas admitted, noting that progress would be threatened if the new setup fails to be built with care and purpose. The conversation touched on a wide range of issues, from renewing the gender-based violence pact to broader social developments, signaling a shift toward a more proactive stance.
The Consell appeared confident in its record, highlighting Botànic’s solid performance and effective administration. While the leadership did not dwell on self-criticism, Mas underscored a strong narrative of continuity in governance and the necessity of maintaining momentum as the region moves forward. The emphasis was clearly on stability and measurable outcomes, rather than on dwelling in the past.
On governance, Mas called for open participation and dialogue across all levels of government, stressing the importance of engaging social partners in the policy-making process. She explained that there are two main paths for prioritization: expanding social services and significantly increasing health care investment, alongside robust economic metrics that reflect a decline in unemployment. Mas also warned about potential backsliding on key protections, specifically noting risks to beneficiaries of addiction services and to the progress made on addressing gender-based violence.
From a personal perspective, Mas offered assurance about the administration’s direction. She asserted that there had been constructive debate at the national level, and that room for discussion remains, even amid political contention. She described the absence of censorship in debates and insisted that any attacks on her ministry’s policies were more political than substantive, emphasizing that the administration did not experience direct repression of its agenda.
Observers noted that the dialogue during the session sought to balance accountability with optimism. Officials signaled a willingness to confront sensitive issues head-on while maintaining a forward-looking posture. The overall tone suggested a commitment to preserve service quality for residents, strengthen social protections, and pursue economic stability, all while navigating the evolving expectations of stakeholders across the region. This approach reflected a broader aim to foster trust and resilience in public institutions as new leadership structures take hold.
In summary, the plenary set a framework for how the new government could operate: with participatory governance, sustained investment in health and social services, and a measured, evidence-driven approach to policy. The discussion highlighted not only the potential gains from continued prudent management but also the vigilance required to prevent relapse into old patterns that might undermine progress. The session underscored a shared aspiration: to keep communities safe, supported, and economically secure as changes unfold across the public sphere. (Attribution: Valencia News)