Last week, Pedro Sánchez announced a cabinet with a notably high political profile, and Diana Morant—unique in the Valencian region for maintaining a seat at the top of the administration—laid out the parliament with a more politically charged address and a familiar portfolio. The Minister of Science and Universities is signaling a new phase in governance, unveiling a multi‑billion euro push for scientific investment and entering a public clash with the Valencian Administration and the PP-led regional governments, whom he is pressing to provide accountability. This marks another advance for the opposition to Carlos Mazón’s Consell as they intensify their scrutiny.
Morant delivered his remarks from La Moncloa’s press room as the Cabinet announced a 1.085 billion euro investment in research initiatives. The Socialist leader used the platform to press his department for stronger budgets and urged the autonomous communities, many under PP leadership, to meet the same commitments required by the Science Law Morant helped shape.
“We have reversed the trend over the last three years, and the duty to comply rests not only with the State Government or the private sector but also with the autonomous communities,” stated the PSPV leader. He pledged to remain vigilant, ensuring that budgets include adequate allocations to support a science policy that can replace the insecurity blamed on past PP practices.
Morant then redirected his criticism toward the PP and Vox-led councils, accusing them of dismantling the Science Department in recent years.
The continuity of Morant in the ministry, paired with a shift in Valencian political influence after the 28M elections, positions him as the main institutional voice for the PSPV. He began to define that role from the press room in La Moncloa, signaling a broader, budget-focused strategy designed to strengthen the government’s scientific agenda and policy coherence. He warned that budget items would be monitored to safeguard the integrity of the new political role.
Change in PSPV delegation
Morant spoke following the Council of Ministers yesterday morning, and later it emerged that he had resigned his seat as an MP. Víctor Camino, the general secretary of Socialist Youth in Valencia, stepped into the parliamentary vacancy. Morant’s departure enabled him to concentrate on ministerial duties while maintaining the thick governing majority without risking votes or derailing the administrative agenda.
The minister led Valencia’s PSPV list, which secured five seats. Camino ranked sixth on the ballot and was on the verge of not entering Parliament; with Morant’s resignation, he joined the socialist platform. This marks Camino’s first full-time role after two years at the helm of Juventudes, signaling a generational shift within the party and a broadened focus on national governance beyond Valencia.