TUESDAY, 10:40
Across the room, the moment unfolds as the 56 members of Diana Morant’s executive team step forward one by one, greeted by the wave of applause from the audience. They make their way to the stage to pose for the first group photo, a ceremonial snapshot that marks the start of their shared leadership chapter. Among the crowd, Pilar Bernabé, the Government Delegate for the Valencian Community, receives particularly strong applause for choosing a Zoo shirt that makes a statement about regional identity and community choices. Spanish regional leaders from Castellón also draw notable attention, especially Tania Baños, who has just taken the helm as president of the Council of Mayors and mayor of Vall d’Uixó, and Ana Besalduch, the mayor of Sant Mateu, whose presence adds a sense of local experience to the gathering.
As the names are announced, the room rises in unison. Each newly introduced member advances toward Morant, crossing the room to exchange a warm embrace with her. In several cases, affectionate greetings are shared with those seated in the front row, figures such as Ximo Puig and Arcadi España receiving enthusiastic acknowledgments. Two individuals bring a slightly different dynamic to the scene. Carlos Fernández Bielsa, the newly appointed deputy secretary-general, and Alejandro Soler, the newly elected president, pause during their embrace to grasp Morant’s hand and lift it in a show of solidarity and shared purpose. These gestures are part of the broader message being conveyed—unity, collaboration, and a clear signal of a coordinated leadership approach. Interestingly, the moment also foreshadows a future engagement with Pedro Sánchez, who has not yet arrived to witness the proceedings.
In the crowd, observers note the choreography of interactions—the way a hug becomes a signal of agreement, the way a handshake can underscore a pledge, and the way a pause in the celebration invites reflection on the responsibilities ahead. The event is not merely a photo opportunity; it is a visual affirmation of a new administrative team stepping into their roles with a common plan and a shared sense of accountability. The room, filled with supporters and colleagues, witnesses a collective pledge to address regional concerns, uphold public service values, and foster collaboration across different levels of government. The presence of regional leaders and national guests alike highlights the importance of partnership in governance, a theme that will likely shape policy discussions in the days to come. (Attribution: Regional Government Communications Office)