Opposition parties in the Cortes, namely PSPV and Compromís, signaled yesterday that they intend to press for the appearance of Generalitat Vice-President and Culture Minister Vicente Barrera in a formal inquiry. Their aim is to secure explanations about alleged Conduct that may run afoul of established rules. The central issue concerns the management of seven public-facing companies, a situation they argue raises incompatibility concerns that should be resolved under current law.
From the other side, the PP and Vox highlighted that there is a two-month window within which the relevant procedures must unfold, underscoring what they described as the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The debate touches on broader themes of integrity and the obligation of public officials to avoid dual roles that could compromise governance.
Rebeca Torró, a member of the socialist board overseeing governance, referenced information indicating that multiple organizations participated in the boards of directors as Barrera was appointed to the regional leadership after the Board of Trustees meeting. Torró asserted that clarifications would be sought and questions would be posed in parliamentary forums about why the law might have been contravened. She emphasized that holding seven directorships while serving in the vice-presidency may contravene established rules on incompatibilities.
In parallel, Compromís spokesperson Joan Baldoví indicated an intention to request in Parliament that the vice-president explain whether there was any evident mismatch. He said the party would consult its Conflict of Interest Bureau to determine whether evidence exists of such a situation. Baldoví added that Barrera had sufficient time to regularize the matter, noting that the appointment to vice-president and the ministerial role came with lead time that could have been used to address potential conflicts proactively.
Ana Vega, a representative of Vox’s board of trustees, reminded that there is a legally defined two-month period to submit asset declarations and to take any necessary remedial steps. Miguel Barrachina, a spokesman for PP, characterized Barrera’s status as still being within the allowable window and argued that a government elected by the people is expected to adhere to the law at all times.
Ruth Merino, a spokesperson for the Consell, also urged patience with deadlines, noting that non-compliance with asset declarations is a matter governed by statute rather than dictated by headlines. The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader concern about how public officials manage potential conflicts of interest and how such issues should be resolved through formal channels and timely reporting, rather than through public pressure or media speculation. Observers indicate that the outcome will hinge on whether the relevant deadlines are met and whether the appropriate disclosures are made in accordance with the law. In turn, the governance framework will rely on established procedures to determine if any incompatibilities exist and what remedial actions, if any, are necessary to maintain public trust.