The PPCV vows to press the PSPV on the Azud case, a probe that began by sketching a network of alleged wrongdoing around Valencia City Hall under Rita Barberá, yet reached into socialist ranks and even former leaders. Faced with this broader spectrum of alleged corruption, Valencians mobilized yesterday through a dual approach aimed at holding the PSPV to account, linking the controversy to the so‑called “successors” while tracing it back to Botànic’s era. Consell spokesperson Aitana Mas stated that senior officials in her government were unaware of possible talks with conspiracy members, but pledged results if any contacts were found.
For its part, the PPCV sought access to entry records at the Palau de la Generalitat to determine whether inspectors were examining whether the alleged ringleader Jaime Febrer and Pepe Cataluña, viewed as a bridge to socialist city councils, were under scrutiny. The case recently reached the seat of the Valencian government.
Concurrently, the PP called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to review the contracts of José Luis Vera, the former legal head of Divalterra, a company owned by the Diputación de Valencia, where another corruption scheme had surfaced. The inquiry is meant to shed light on the company’s dealings.
Regarding ties between Catalonia and the current Consell, Miguel Barrachina, deputy spokesperson for the PP in Cortes and campaign manager for Carlos Mazón, announced that his group has requested in writing records detailing access to the Palau de la Generalitat. The aim is to confirm whether Pepe Cataluña, nicknamed “Successful,” has visited in recent months.
The popular party has intensified efforts to cast doubt on the present socialist administration, as seen in the plenary session on Thursday when Botànic’s eighth budgets were approved after all chairs displayed photos of Puig and Cataluña.
“The conspiracy alleging illegal financing of PSPV by Ximo Puig remains active, and we have requested both these records and those of the Ministry of Finance to determine whether the former PSPV treasurer facilitated efforts to shield treasury inspections from the Ministry of Finance. Business figures who allegedly funded Ximo Puig’s party are under scrutiny,” Barrachina stated.
“Ximo Puig’s PSPV cannot continue without accountability, explanation, and an apology to Valencians,” a PP deputy spokesperson said. Barrachina sharpened the critical tone, characterizing PSPV’s silence as a long‑standing issue and warning that a serious, drawn‑out dispute over irregular funding is unfolding.
Vicen Mompó outlined another pillar of the PP strategy against PSPV by requesting an inquiry at the Valencian Provincial Assembly to examine the contracts signed with José Luis Vera between 2015 and the present year. A PP spokesperson at the Municipal Corporation added that, according to the Azud case summary, the Valencian Provincial Council should investigate why a supposed “b” box within the PSOE may have engaged the alleged “successor” for seven years, including Vera’s specialized work during those years. The aim is to clarify whether any long‑running agreements influenced public contracts.
“Whoever pays, pays the price”
The Azud case left a visible mark on the press conference that followed Consell’s latest general meeting of the year. Vice‑president and spokesperson Aitana Mas urged patience as the case progresses but warned that consequences would follow if the current administration becomes involved: “Whoever does this will pay the price.”
Mas highlighted Botànic’s anti‑corruption strides, noting the need to reassess the agendas of the Department of Transparency, which the PP has called for reform, and the role of top officials who might act as a firewall against misconduct. He also argued that political pluralism remains a safeguard for governance and accountability, stressing that the current situation should prompt a broader reexamination of ethical standards within the administration.
In closing, the messages from the day underscored a broader call for transparency and a robust, independent review of public contracting. The discourse reflected a moment of heightened political tension in which the opposition seeks to link past actions with present governance, while the ruling coalition asserts its commitment to openness and reform. The broader public awaits clarity on these questions and on the accountability framework that will guide decisions in Valencia’s political landscape. (Source: Valencia regional press)