Overview of the Valencia debate as Mazón pressed economic proposals against Puig
The Valencia debate featured Carlos Mazón challenging Ximo Puig while facing a cohesive left-leaning front. The Concerted Bloc of Botànic acted as a solid counterweight to the PP candidate, with responses not only from Puig but also from Joan Baldoví of Compromís and Héctor Illueca of Unides Podem. The Popular Party candidate faced questions about past governance and subsequent policy directions, as critics pressed for clarity on proposed measures.
Mazón opened by directly disputing Puig over the current economic hardship faced by families amid inflation and argued for tax reliefs, including reductions on housing, income, and inheritance taxes. Illueca responded by noting perceived gaps in the tax-cut plan, while Baldoví countered that tax cuts could benefit the wealthier segments and questioned the overall impact by citing a potential impact on income figures by 1,750 million. Puig joined the exchange, defending the region’s performance and credibility, highlighting employment growth and the fiscal steps taken during previous crises. He referenced investment and job-creation milestones, including the arrival of a major American company and the broader economic development of Camp de Turia.
The debate also featured new policy announcements. Illueca stated that he would sign an order the following day to begin limiting rental prices, signaling a readiness to take immediate action on housing costs. In the Welfare State segment, Mazón returned to critiques of Puig, focusing on healthcare delivery and waiting times, arguing that patience among residents had worn thin as surgical procedures were delayed. The discussion underscored the divergent approaches to managing public services and ensuring timely access to care.
The most pointed exchanges occurred when the left questioned Mazón about potential alliances with Vox. Baldoví pressed for clarity on possible coalitions, while Illueca accused Mazón of courting a platform that would retreat on issues such as climate change, gender-based violence, and regional self-government. Puig characterized the dialogue as a contrast between PPVox and a denialist stance, leading to a direct clash with Vox representatives.
During the exchanges, Mazón asserted his personal integrity by noting that he had no criminal conviction. The discussion shifted to the broader coalition dynamics, with Flores from Vox questioning Mazón’s future policy directions and urging the PP to present a concrete plan for governance. The tone of the debate remained intense, with the PP and its allies signaling a robust campaign posture while opponents pressed for transparency on policy commitments and potential political alignments.