The new year often brings renewed plans and political momentum. Diana Morant, the Minister of Science and Universities, is actively expanding the ministry’s presence in the Valencian Community. This Thursday will feature a double visit to Elda and Alcoy, where she will oversee her ministerial duties while continuing a broader internal renewal within the PSPV. Within this context, Ximo Puig’s name frequently arises as a prominent figure in the ongoing discussions about leadership and strategy.
A senior official’s timetable for visits is a deliberate political choice. On Thursday, Morant will tour two footwear technology centers in Elda and Alcoy, starting with Inescop. In the textile sector, Aitext will be highlighted as a key reference. In the afternoon, Alcaloy will host two traditional Christmas events, including a visit to Tirisiti, the nativity representation, and a procession before the Three Wise Men known as the burrata. The following day will continue with related engagements.
The schedule reflects a deliberate effort to raise the minister’s profile across the Valencian Community, a stated objective of the current strategy. This is achieved through continued participation in events with regular institutional visibility and by engaging mayors and influential local leaders from the two largest municipalities in Alicante province, both governed by the PSPV. The aim is to project a cohesive central government presence while aligning with regional interests.
Ruben Alfaro, the mayor of Elda, is viewed as a weighty but regional figure within the Federation. Alejandro Soler serves as the Alicante provincial secretary and appears among those considered potential candidates to lead the party. In Alcoy, Toni Francés is named as a close ally of Puig, with Soler’s supporters seen as opponents in the lead-up to 2019. These movements are part of ongoing efforts to consolidate support around Morant as the preferred option to succeed Puig at the helm of the party.
Morant’s repeated mentions and the intensification of her Valencian agenda are amplified by the upcoming extraordinary congress on the calendar, fueling speculation. Although the minister’s presence at certain events is institutional, she has stood alongside two leaders representing different strands within the PSPV. Meanwhile, the former mayor of Gandia maintains a stance of caution, not publicly advancing a bid to lead the party.
back to dates
Officials do not expect a formal move until Congress convenes. Puig has indicated the congress will take place in the first quarter, with the late February weekend of the 24th and 25th emerging as the most likely window, since late February is generally avoided due to local festivities such as Magdalena and Las Fallas. Both the current administration and the National Committee must agree on a date and implement deadlines accordingly.
There is a sense that Galicia’s electoral calendar could influence scheduling. The PSPV leader acknowledged that dates will be analyzed carefully to avoid disrupting the party’s electoral trajectory. A victory by the Xunta would be favorable for Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE, and there is a preference to coordinate with Ferraz in this process, although the Galician elections and the Valencian federation renewal are treated as two distinct matters.
The calendar not only includes the congress where the new secretary general will be approved, but also the two-day round of voting. If more than one candidate runs and no one secures more than 50 percent on the first ballot, additional rounds and campaign periods will be scheduled. Decision-making on these deadlines will come soon as different party sections stake out their positions. While the agenda remains a political decision and Morant has chosen to increase Valencian engagement despite circulating rumors about her candidacy, no formal actions are taken until an official call is issued.
In summary, the timeline centers on leadership questions, regional outreach, and the political machinery needed to organize a broad, cohesive party strategy across the Valencian Community. The path forward hinges on the congress date, the reception of Morant’s agenda in Valencia, and the alignment of local and national party interests as they prepare for the upcoming electoral and organizational milestones.