In the early days of the presidency, the focus tends to be felt most in Valencia. Regardless of political orientation, from 2015 to 2023 the capital of Turia remains the hub of activity, with Palau and Corts forming the core. Yet beyond the capital’s institutional rhythm, a shift in Generalitat dynamics moved the presidential agenda toward the autonomous south and, perhaps surprisingly, toward the center of Spain.
The business of government acts as the first filter between ambitions and reality. For newcomers, it means expressing priorities even when administrative and budgetary means are not fully in place. The choice of where to travel in a given period is inherently political and shaped by surrounding circumstances. At the helm of the Consell, Carlos Mazón led a push to consolidate control and enlarge visibility in Alicante. In contrast to Ximo Puig’s start in 2015, the incumbent’s delegation footprint is lighter in Castellón, the province where the socialist leader was born.
A review of the first six months in office shows both Mazón and Puig spending most days in Valencia province, yet the distribution differs. Puig maintained similar levels of activity in Alicante as in Castellón, while Mazón directed roughly three times as many engagements in Alicante as in Castellón. The current Consell president also spent more time in Madrid, whereas Puig extended his reach abroad more often.
Specifically, Mazón allocated 54 percent of his days to Valencia province, totaling 74 days out of 97 days of activity in the region. This marks a rise from 65 percent in 2015, when Puig began his term with Compromís. In both cases, the timing aligns with government formation routines and the general election calendar.
The most notable divergence appears in Alicante. Mazón has doubled the number of days spent there during the first six months compared with his predecessor, recording 38 days of activity versus 16 for Puig in the same period. The first general assembly meetings of the PP and Vox took place in Alicante, underscoring the strategic value of the province for Mazón, who hails from there. Castellón presented a similar pattern for Puig, with 16 events in his first term compared to Mazón’s 11 in Alicante, reflecting regional balance in the early phase of governance.
The differences extend beyond the region to travel patterns. Mazón favored the central part of Spain, with up to nine days in Madrid and substantial engagement in Castellón, a number that rises when including the Fitur meeting. His international stays included London, Frankfurt, and Bologna. Puig, by contrast, visited Madrid six times and spent ten days abroad, with New York and Brussels listed as notable destinations.