How was the shift from Ciudadanos trustee to managing the Valencia Community’s finances and serving as the Consell’s spokesperson within the PP ranks perceived?
It felt like a natural move. I chose to leave the party last January and was offered a chance to keep contributing to politics with the People’s Party, a group I felt aligned with. I found immediate comfort and am grateful for the opportunity to help Valencian society improve. There is no need to linger on the past.
How would you describe the Generalitat’s current financial situation?
Botànic left us with a challenging landscape in several areas of the Generalitat, and we face a heavy burden of 55,000 million euros in debt, which places us at the top in terms of debt load among autonomous communities. This is unacceptable. We started with a difficult budgetary position, yet from day one we have been working to reverse this legacy, guided by clear ideas and a concrete project, beginning with securing fair funding for the Valencian Community.
To what extent is this due to the previous Consell government or to insufficient funding for this region?
Better management could have been possible, given more resources from both professional and European funding. It’s remarkable how much was spent beyond budget without improving services for citizens. We believe Botànic’s mismanagement and the funding shortfall created this gap. There have also been concerns with Ximo Puig and his government’s posture toward Valencians’ needs. It seems he answers to a Madrid boss and often keeps his head down. Over the past five years, the debate has been heated but progress has been limited.
What is your roadmap to address this challenge?
Be assertive in Madrid, where decisions should be made. There is no room for Band-Aids or empty promises. The priority is reforming the financial system to restore fairness. While a government has not yet formed, we hope Alberto Núñez Feijóo will deliver strong results for the Valencian Community. Regardless, from day one we will demand a fair and adequate system that serves all Valencians and protects essential services.
He says he trusts Feijóo to lead, but the initial accounting still needs to prove itself…
The truth is he won the election and must form a government and be sworn in as president. This should be good for Spaniards in general and Valencians in particular.
One of the main promises of the new regional government was tax relief. Is this compatible with maintaining services?
Yes. Tax relief can go hand in hand with measures that promote entrepreneurship and business activity. The policy aims to create better tax conditions while attracting significant investments and foreign capital. Immediate effects aren’t expected, but efforts will focus on eliminating structural costs from day one. An instrumental public sector reform will remove duplication in service delivery and reduce senior roles. The goal is to make every euro taxpayers contribute count.
But there will be a lag before results show. In the meantime, how will income be managed?
The approach is to manage and prioritize efficiently. Ministers have been applying this since taking office. Waste and duplications will be addressed, and while the current accounts are being stabilized, prudent management will gradually change the outlook.
Is there support for the debt to be written off by the state?
There is a belief that the Valencian Community’s historical injustices should be addressed in some form. Data show the problem, and compensation is a topic to consider.
But what form might that compensation take?
That will be discussed when the finance desk can meet. The immediate goal remains fair financing and recovering our historic debt.
Will regional budgets be delivered on time and in the proper form?
It should happen, though current Madrid constraints complicate resource availability. Projections will be based on credible estimates and responsible data.
Mazón announced the closure of some Generalitat agencies and departments. How will this be resolved?
A thorough audit and reallocation of resources will be necessary. The goal is to determine which functions can be handled directly by a ministry or a general mandate. In years past, the instrumental public sector was supposed to shrink but instead grew, costing Valencians about 4,000 million euros annually. The aim now is to optimize and minimize taxpayers’ costs.
How does the administration plan to attract large investments to the region?
The region will offer a conducive climate for major investments by cutting red tape, delivering favorable tax terms, and keeping doors open. The plan includes moving forward with Volkswagen to realize the gigafactory and ensuring the path is clear for investors. For major players, a straightforward approach will be used to facilitate projects.
And Tesla?
Specific names aren’t the focus. What matters is that any major investment creating jobs and wealth in the community will be welcomed and facilitated.
Alicante has consistently received less investment in recent years. Will this change?
Alicante’s potential is immense. The imbalance in investment has been clear and, before taking office, the leadership has pledged to correct that. The province deserves fair treatment based on its opportunities and needs.
And the Generalitat’s commitments to the Digital Zone and the City of Light?
All ongoing and planned investments will be reviewed. The aim is steady progress that translates into real improvements for Alicante and its residents.
Mazón appointed a partner and governing Council, with Camarero as vice-president and Merino as spokesperson.
Are ministries overseen by Carlos Mazón?
The government works as a united team with open dialogue. There is no miscommunication. Ministries retain autonomy within the government’s overall framework, and decisions are discussed collectively.
What is daily life like in a government with Vox?
The team operates as one government. Relationships are solid, and collaboration runs smoothly.
But what about concerns over certain actions, like not publicly condemning gender violence or displaying a banner?
The Council remains committed to combating violence against women. Across the administration, efforts are coordinated and effective.