Six months after regional elections, Aitana Mas, the Consell vice president and spokesperson, makes a clear claim: the real opposition is inside the ranks of the PP, not in Compromís or Botànic. In her first appearance at the debates organized by the European Forum, Mas argued that the Valencian Government remains united and capable, brushing aside perceived leadership tensions within the coalition while leaving room for future competition, including potential presidential bids. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
She also pressed back against what she described as irresponsible opposition from the Valencia PP, accusing it of focusing on identity flashpoints like language and water rather than offering constructive policy ideas. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
Mas often serves as a mediator within the Coalition Executive, and yesterday followed that pattern. She noted that Botànic had achieved a more than positive balance between two legislatures, while indicating that the Consell continues to show resilience and remains ready to respond to ongoing political dynamics. The possibility of Ximo Puig running in the election was mentioned, though Mas described such talk as an exaggerated hypothesis. Valencia, she suggested, should not provoke the PP and urged Compromís to maintain its positioning and stability as early as possible. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
She asserted, with a calm certainty, that the government is stable and responsive to citizens’ needs. She stressed there was no rush to elections because the eighth consecutive budget was being prepared in a timely fashion, supported by three other Compromís ministers—Raquel Tamarit, Rafa Climent, and Isaura Navarro—and by Enric Morera, president of the Cortes, all of whom echoed the sentiment that Botànic was functioning effectively and could be refreshed if necessary. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
Mas also spoke with tact about tax reform, avoiding a direct clash with the socialist wing that favored deeper cuts to the Inheritance Tax for family businesses. She indicated that such a proposal did not have a pathway for agreement with Compromís and Unides, and remained open to discussions on other facets of fiscal policy. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
In another display of internal consistency, she addressed the broader debate over the law known as “yes is yes” and the replacement of sedition, reiterating arguments previously put forward by the Consell spokesperson and by Puig. She described the sexual freedom law as a positive development and argued that the government should be allowed time to determine whether interpretations of the sedition provision reflect the will of the legislator. She suggested the measure had a positive effect on European Union attitudes toward penalties. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
Yet Mas extended a message of reconciliation to her own coalition, making clear she did not want any conflicts over leadership within Compromís. The Generalitat announced that Presidential MP and candidate Joan Baldoví could serve as the opening act to illustrate the harmony and good vibes prevailing at the informal breakfast, though his Brussels trip prevented his attendance. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
Not excluded as a candidate
Mas was nonetheless not ruled out from the race to lead the Generalitat. She stated that her focus remained on her duties as vice president, council member, and spokesperson, while also balancing motherhood. A deadline was set for January to decide on future steps, and until then she would keep her attention on her ministry and on her daily work, while reiterating her preference to avoid personality-driven politics. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
The stance of the PP and its leader, Carlos Mazón, shifted when asked about the ongoing internal process within the Community. When pressed about ideas in play, Mas offered a pointed critique of Mazón, accusing him of stoking identity issues and pursuing an electoral platform shaped by inflation and climate concerns. She reminded listeners that language is a tool in political contests and urged a view of bilingualism as a shared heritage rather than a means to divide voters for electoral gain. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
Mas described language and water as a kind of political leverage for the PP, characterizing it as a risky strategy that seeks to profit from uncertainty. She argued that the PP was leaning toward a confrontational, anti-political posture, particularly when salaries at the Consell became a target of debate, and she criticized Mazón for what she called exaggerated demands of leadership from both presidents and consuls. (Attribution: European Forum debates)
In Mas’s view, the PP’s approach was marked by constant criticism and confrontation, rather than constructive policy proposals. She urged a more collaborative path forward, especially when examining how to address broader economic and climate challenges facing the region. (Attribution: European Forum debates)