PSPV-PSOE backs Gabriela Bravo and Josefina Bueno for the Table of Cortes
A little after 10:30, the opening session of the eleventh legislature began in the Valencian Courts. Socialist leader Carlos Laguna presided over the Assembly with a firm, defiant voice, guiding the oath ceremony as nearly one hundred deputies pledged their positions. In a steady, resonant tone, he underscored the hard-won rights and freedoms secured through democracy, receiving sustained applause from fellow socialists at several moments while noting the uneven reception from other political factions. The mood set a clear, urgent tone for the new term as the chamber prepared to chart its path forward.
Laguna pressed the need to defend hard-won liberties against complacent complacency and to guard the gains made in social and political rights. With more than three decades of political experience, he presented himself as a steadfast steward of progress, echoing the sentiment of former leader Ximo Puig and signaling that the era of gradual improvements would continue under capable stewardship. The emphasis was on inclusivity and the belief that governance should reflect the broad spectrum of Valencian society, not just its loudest voices.
Opening remarks stressed that the word must be accessible to all, including those who live with disabilities. Laguna highlighted the symbolic moment of having a differently-abled person chairing the Assembly, interpreting it as tangible proof that society is moving toward true inclusion and that political structures must mirror that progress. He recalled the past four years as a period of both challenge and achievement, noting how the pandemic disrupted the prior legislature and how climate forces created a sense of urgency as storms grew more intense and frequent.
The political discourse shifted to social issues, with Laguna addressing gender-based violence head-on. He acknowledged the persistence of violence that targets women and, troublingly, remains five times more prevalent than domestic violence in some contexts. He urged the Assembly to confront this scourge—especially for women with disabilities who face compounded risks—and called on lawmakers to enact robust protections. He expressed hope that the eleventh legislature would resist any attempt to roll back gains and would advance measures aimed at eradicating gender-based violence once and for all, emphasizing that progress should not retreat in the face of opposition.
Meanwhile, the session highlighted the strategic appointment discussions for the Table of Cortes. In a separate political moment, the socialist delegation pointed to the long struggle for freedom during the country’s transition and warned against policies that might relegate gender equality to a secondary priority. The message resonated as a reminder that the fight for equal rights remains ongoing, even amid broader political change. Laguna argued that the country’s directional choices must guard against returning to unequal norms and perpetuating outdated hierarchies that once limited opportunities for half the population.
In a broader policy context, the discourse touched on funding for the Valencian Community, urging fair and adequate financial support to strengthen regional development and public services. The closing remarks drew on a well-known passage once cited by a respected Valencian journalist and former minister, Vicente Soler, reinforcing a shared conviction: the voice of the people must be heard clearly and consistently as the new legislature acts on behalf of those it serves. The session closed with a resolve to carry forward the people’s voice, ensuring that governance remains accountable, transparent, and representative of the Valencian citizenry.
The proceedings reflected a balance between reverence for democratic gains and a pragmatic emphasis on actionable policy. The Assembly convened with a clear recognition that progress depends on inclusive governance, robust protections for vulnerable groups, and steadfast commitment to funding that enables regional advancement while preserving social cohesion. As the eleventh legislature begins its term, the leaders of the major parties signaled a willingness to pursue reforms that strengthen civil liberties, gender equality, and the rights of people with disabilities, all while maintaining a steady focus on the practical needs of Valencian communities.