administrative bureaucracy
It was a memorable moment on the Senate floor when Ximo Puig, the president of the Generalitat and reelection candidate for the PSPV, echoed Compromís’ push to halt home sales to foreign buyers. The Vega Baja Forum, hosted by INFORMACIÓN, drew attention to the concerns of business leaders in residential tourism as they warned about the potential fallout in nations like the United Kingdom, where many buyers originate. Puig acknowledged the proposal with a friendly nod, yet he signaled skepticism about its chances of success and called for a practical sector-wide forum to tackle challenges and speed up projects.
The following discourse came on the heels of a Tuesday meeting with PP’s Generalitat candidate Carlos Mazón at the Casino de Orihuela, followed by Puig taking the stage again yesterday. A roster of industry executives participated, including Antonio José Quesada of Euromarina; Antonio Soria, chief executive of Masa International; Antonio Vegara of Margallar Promotions; Enrique Riquelme of Empresas del Sol; Francisco Gómez, head of the Marjal Group; Francisco Pedrera of Pemar Group; Francisco Marcos of Marcos Group; José Aguilar of Santamar de la Vega; Manuel Martínez Ortuño of Hozono Global; José Manuel Martínez Imbernón, director at Tabisam; and Pablo Serna, managing director of TM Real Estate Group. Other attendees included Juan R. Gil, managing director of Content; Tomas Mayoral, director; Ángel Angulo, manager; and Toni Cabot, director of INFORMATION Club.
Residential tourism, once a heavyweight in Vega Baja’s economy, returned to the foreground of discussion, particularly in light of an amendment to the Housing Act proposed by Compromís senator Carles Mulet. The idea mirrored a measure seen in Canada that would pause real estate sales to foreigners for three years, with specific exceptions. As described by the coalition, the pause targets both natural and legal persons lacking Spanish nationality when the law takes effect or within the year prior to a transaction. Valencian supporters argue the policy marks progress but emphasize the need for stronger oversight of vulture funds and tourist apartments.
Puig’s team pointed out that the Compromís proposal has stirred unease among real estate professionals. At the forum, he cautioned about potential harm, noting the policy’s spread to other nations such as the United Kingdom, where a significant share of buyers originates. The unexpected nature of the measure surprised Puig, who learned of it only after it was advanced by a partner in Botànic during the early stages of the campaign. The socialist candidate vigorously rejected the idea, asserting that it would not be supported under any circumstances and denouncing its premise as “pretty absurd.” He stressed that Mulet does not govern Valencia and that the regional administration did not align with the proposal.
Business representatives pressed for solutions, arguing that the sector would suffer as plans stall and licensing slows down. They pointed to neighboring regions like Murcia and Andalusia, as well as international options in Portugal and Türkiye, as examples of how competition can unfold when local administration lags. A broader call emerged for the appointment of a Vega Baja minister in the next legislature and for establishing a consistent framework to address residential tourism issues.
Puig signaled openness to a steady, ongoing sector framework that would handle all tourism housing concerns, while not excluding the specific remedies voiced by business leaders. He also acknowledged the friction Compromís has generated among environmental stakeholders and proposed that the forum be guided by the General Directorate of Urbanism to ensure practical, policy-aligned progress.
According to Puig, the focus would be on projects that advance dispute resolution, drive medium- and long-term plans, and establish direct channels to deliver timely solutions to the most pressing problems. The current machinery, he noted, must move more efficiently to clear administrative hurdles.
administrative streamline and licensing
Puig also highlighted the persistent challenges in speeding up bureaucratic processes. Rather than adding more officers to the public sector, he proposed shifting licensing duties to approved offices and consultancies, provided all requirements are met. He admitted resistance in some municipalities and stressed the need to make this approach universal across all towns.
When asked about supporting the construction of new golf courses, Puig replied that development should respect water resources from treatment or desalination facilities. He argued that any activity with social and ecological value could move forward, as long as it aligns with sustainable development principles.
During the gathering, Puig underscored housing as the main target of the next legislature. He recalled the Generalitat’s incentive plan to promote affordable housing through a collaboration with builders and municipalities, funded by the Valencia Institute of Finance, which could cover up to 80% of property costs.
In a direct reference to the PP, Puig contended that making fiscal policy the campaign’s backbone misses the reality of an autonomous community. He predicted only minor adjustments rather than sweeping changes, and he reminded listeners that Valencia remains among the most heavily invested regions, not a financial crisis zone.
consell bank and housing finance
Looking ahead, Puig spoke about a potential role for a regional bank to provide up to 80% of rental housing finance to developers, a move seen as pivotal for expanding access to affordable housing. The discussion framed housing as a cornerstone of regional growth, balancing development with resource management and environmental stewardship.
Overall, the forum painted a portrait of a region negotiating growth with caution. Several businessmen warned that slow administrative processes could continue to threaten investment, urging faster licensing and a clearer commitment to housing and tourism projects. The dialogue reflected a broader tension between fostering economic activity and maintaining environmental and social safeguards across municipalities.
Puig’s message remained pragmatic: create a durable, sector-wide framework that addresses current concerns, while remaining open to targeted measures that improve the business climate. He stressed that collaboration with municipal authorities and state-level agencies would be essential to deliver real, tangible results for Vega Baja and the wider Valencian community.
Citations: INFORMACIÓN (Spain). This summary reflects reporting from the Vega Baja Forum, including statements from Ximo Puig and participating business leaders. The content is presented for informational purposes and to provide context on regional policy discussions affecting residential tourism and housing development in the Valencian Community.