From the state to the national scene and beyond
Alejandro Soler was the first to announce his intention to lead PSPV-PSOE, signaling a potential change in the Valencian Socialist leadership. The Alicante province figure, who serves as a Congress MP, publicly declared on a Friday afternoon in his hometown of Elche his plan to enter the primaries to guide the Valencian Community’s socialists, with many observers noting the minister of science may have signaled this direction. Universities and other key figures in Valencia, including the state secretary in Valencia, Carlos Fernandez Bielsa, were expected to participate in this political moment.
Moments after his initial appearance, Soler emerged flanked by influential provincial supporters, as well as militants from Valencia and Castellón. His ten-minute address, delivered in a blend of Spanish and Valencian, urged militants to be heard and praised the work of President Ximo Puig in recent years, drawing applause from the crowd.
Sol er stood before a large audience at the socialist center on Elche General Cosido Street, a venue described by onlookers as bustling. The state secretary made the trip from Madrid, arriving after days spent in the capital where he signaled his intentions to the federal leadership of the PSOE. The public reception suggested strong backing for Soler, and the timing indicated that his candidacy would be presented before PSPV’s national committee, scheduled for the following day.
From the state and beyond
During the public appearance, Soler was joined by a cadre of prominent local figures. Among them were Ruben Alfaro, the mayor of Elda; Joaquin Hernandez, the mayor of Dolores and a heavy hitter in Vega Baja; and Vicente Arques, a PSOE spokesperson in the Provincial Assembly and mayor of l’Alfàs. Also present were Carlos González, the former mayor of Elche who has had public disagreements with Soler in recent years, and Pedro Rodenas, the organizing secretary of the local PSOE leadership in Alicante, led by Miguel Millana and historically influenced by Ángel Franco.
Other attendees included Toni González, the mayor of Almussafes and a close ally of a former minister, as well as Mercedes Caballero. Bielsa himself had a rival in the room contesting control of the PSOE in the Valencian state. Also seen were Ernest Blanch and Ximo from Puig’s hometown, Morella, underscoring the broad regional scope of the gathering.
Morant reaches out to Soler after promising Alicante leadership
Morant contacted Soler early on Friday morning. While it had long been an open secret that the Elche native would announce his candidacy for party leadership, no formal step had been taken yet. The minister reiterated that she remained at the party’s disposal, stressed that opportunities for agreement remained open, and indicated she was working toward a compromise. Ultimately, she confirmed that Soler had personally informed her of his decision in a conversation the night before.
Contacts between the two candidates had intensified over the past few days, yet Soler and Morant remained apart on key points. Soler’s move effectively keeps PSPV on track for a three-way primary, with Bielsa positioned as a potential third contender. The Valencian state leader spoke at the PSOE congress in A Coruña the previous weekend but decided to wait until the committee meets on Saturday.