Alfons Puncel, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transformation, announced on social media that he will step away from his post until Tuesday, following the dismissal of Mireia Mollà—the division’s head—and amid criticism of the reasons given for the move. He says the resignation is for “personal reasons” because politics is a personal matter and warrants private reflection.
In his farewell, Puncel notes that Mollà’s departure was not due to unwavering loyalty, but rather for what he calls ethical and aesthetic concerns: “Ethically, there is no justification for the insults and the manner in which things have been handled. They are unacceptable.”
Mireia Mollà: From a goal to replace Oltra to a dismissal
“I don’t want my presence to shield these behaviors. Silence only deepens alienation among citizens, especially those on the left who demand accountability. What politics needs is openness, dialogue, and the ability to contrast ideas. It’s not about purges; it’s about listening and admitting that no single person holds all the answers,” Mollà explained.
So far, Mollà, in her role as undersecretary, has said, “I can describe what’s happening with the analogy of a shop, but the ethics require me to be transparent out of respect for others.” She pointed out that Vice President Aitana Mas dismissed Mollà “with a 15-second call and no time to seek a reasonable explanation,” and she has argued there was no valid reason for that decision. The claim of a party-friendly motive has been met with staunch opposition, a sentiment some describe as ignoring the broader context of party dynamics.
According to Puncel, Mollà’s dismissal stemmed from political issues that had become distortions of concept and action, turning a noble task into an ego conflict. “Chaos follows when personal gain overshadows public service,” he remarked, noting the frustration that arises when a political career is treated as a personal prize to be won in the lead-up to elections.
Tomás Mayoral: Aitana Mas’s decision to dismiss Mireia Mollà highlights leadership tensions within Compromís
In this analysis, Mollà’s dismissal is framed as a test of how coalition partners balance autonomy within the group. The timing coincides with Botànic II’s final budget submission and comes four months before a set of complex elections, a period marked by public uncertainty reminiscent of past Spanish political cycles. The focus is on maintaining bridges, opening dialogue, and strengthening alliances amid questions about future strategy.
“This pause signals a departure from a forward-looking approach,” Mayoral notes, stressing that the current leadership has chosen to turn inward, reinforcing entrenched beliefs, resisting criticism, and seeking exit options through internal arrangements rather than facing scrutiny during the upcoming electoral contest. He adds that efforts to cancel primaries to curb competition point to broader tactical moves rather than substantive policy progress.
Isabela Navarro: Responding to challenges after a health crisis
“Moral and mental strain”
Navarro stresses that the situation is marked by disappointment and perceived mediocrity, arguing that the values guiding decision-making have been questioned by those who oppose the policy shifts being pursued. He describes the dismissal as a result of excuses and misrepresentations used in budget negotiations, criticisms from other departments, and a lack of recognition for the vice president’s work.
On the matter of responses and accountability, Puncel points to a climate of “excuses, lies, and a lack of independent thinking.” He argues that there is no coherent government rationale or clear project strategy, with simple explanations taking center stage and political mediocrity shaping outcomes.
He describes his own long experience in political activism spanning decades, noting that purges have occurred within multiple groups over time. He likens the situation to a physical principle: the smaller the container, the higher the internal pressure, and the greater the chance of rupture or dissolution when pressure builds. The image underscores the volatility of political environments and the consequences of internal strain.
In reflecting on the broader political landscape, he emphasizes the importance of accountability and the dangers of letting internal disagreements derail policy progress. The emphasis remains on transparent governance, honest debate, and a focus on public service as the shared goal, even during periods of upheaval.
— Endnotes and context are drawn from observations and statements in the public arena and are attributed to participants as noted in public discourse. [Citation: Public statements on social media and press conferences regarding the personnel changes within the ministry.]