The declaration was blunt: there is no time to waste. Said first by Santos Cerdán, PSOE Organizing Secretary, and echoed by Ximo Puig, leader of PSPV, the message was not a mere slogan to energize socialist delegates. It reflected the reality facing Valencian socialists in the coming months. Puig formalized his plan to step back and called for an extraordinary congress to be held in the first quarter of 2024, where the leadership and the strategic direction for 2027 would be decided. “We must do this now,” the already serving secretary-general asserted.
From the moment the National Committee gathered until the celebration yesterday, expectations about its significance rose. Puig had already signaled change before the formal proceedings began, saying at a UGT-PV event that fresh winds, new leaders, and new directions were needed. The event, which featured the acclaimed Joan Manuel Serrat on stage, set the tone for what followed.
Yesterday, in a familiar setting at the union headquarters and before 233 socialist delegates, Puig publicly confirmed his farewell and outlined the path the party will follow moving forward.
“It is time to take one step back so that the project can take two steps forward,” the socialist veteran stated. He announced the extraordinary congress for early next year and explained that a “new year, new time” requires new leadership, teams, and strategies that will shape the party through 2027. The process, which began with his election in Benidorm in November 2021, will trigger changes in the parliamentary group after Rebeca Torró’s departure and will commence with the executive’s actions tomorrow, influencing governance and policy directions.
The aim is to move quickly because extraordinary congresses carry fixed timelines. The executive branch will not convene the congress by itself; the National Committee must do so. It is likely that a gathering similar to yesterday’s will occur before year’s end, with the main topic being the launch of the congress and Puig’s promise that the “alternative’s power will be built” through “new leadership, new teams and new strategies” by 2027.
Until the congress takes place, Ximo Puig will continue as general secretary. He acknowledged that his role would end as president of the Generalitat after the electoral setback on May 28, and as a result there will be no manager. He also announced a January summit of PSPV representatives from all institutions to plan the political strategy and the membership drive, emphasizing that it is time for more people to join the project.
The path to the congress remains uncertain. All eyes point toward Diana Morant, the Science and Universities minister, as a consensus candidate who could unify the current PSPV leadership and Ferraz. Morant’s supporters within the party and Ferraz’s representatives stressed the opening of a new phase, though Morant has thus far refrained from taking a position. She is expected to step forward in the coming weeks and could lead the party if she confirms her intentions.
Morant would likely receive Ferraz’s backing, represented by Santos Cerdán during yesterday’s proceedings. He spoke at the start of the speaker’s address and urged high vision, dialogue, and unity for renewing the party, adding that Ferraz would respect the decisions of PSPV militants.
Cross-sector alliances
Carlos Fernández Bielsa, secretary general of the Valencian state, and Alejandro Soler, secretary general of Alicante, framed their remarks at the committee’s door around militancy and autonomy. Sources inside the room noted that the mayor of Mislata asserted that autonomy must be safeguarded, signaling resistance to potential impositions by both PSOE and PSPV leaderships, while not ruling out collaboration where it serves common goals.
The two regional leaders are weighing alternative candidacy options for Morant, with Soler seen as a potential bridge between the Ferraz camp and regional factions. Although Soler’s remarks paid tribute to Puig, they carried a careful tone that reflected the emotional context of the farewell.
Before speaking inside, the delegates conveyed a message of support by gathering around several municipal officials, including Juan Antonio Sagredo of Paterna, Rafa García of Burjassot, and Toni Gaspar, former head of the State Council. Soler’s presence was notable but restrained; he also counted allies like Rubén Alfaro, mayor of Elda, Aarón Cano, and other council figures who represent broader factional alignments within the province. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between regional autonomy and the broader party strategy.
Steps to appoint the new general secretary of PSPV
PSPV plans to appoint a new leader in the first quarter of 2024, following a sequence of steps defined in the party’s charter:
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The current PSPV administrator will initiate the process. The incumbent will serve until the next administrator is elected, eliminating the need for a separate interim manager.
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A new National Committee will be convened. This body, sitting between congresses, holds the formal authority to call the party’s top conclave. The statute also allows the executive to issue direct calls when circumstances warrant.
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The 60-day requirement for calling the National Congress may be waived in special circumstances that justify an extraordinary session. The rules allow flexibility when needed.
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Primaries will precede the extraordinary congress. The elected general secretary will be contacted in advance, typically about two weeks before the congress. Delegates will be chosen by direct vote on lists.