Ximo Puig, the president of the Generalitat and the leading figure of the PSPV-PSOE in the Valencian Community, spoke today on the matter, outlining the stakes and the potential implications for the regional party. Manolo Mata, serving as deputy general secretary of the PSPV-PSOE, noted that although the decision appeared to rest with him alone, it would be aligned with the responsibilities of a lawyer who actively participates in party leadership. Mata’s comments came as the party faced questions about the alignment between professional duties and political responsibilities within the Valencia judicial system.
Mata announced last Saturday that several principal accused commissioners had stepped down from their roles as Socialist Síndic at the Valencia Courts, a development that followed the declassification of the Azud case. The connection between this case and the involvement of figures like Jaime February and his relationships with PSPV and PP in 2007 and 2011 further colored the atmosphere. In this context, Mata is identified as February’s attorney, which added a layer of complexity to the political and legal theater surrounding these disclosures. A week of revelations propelled Mata into the center of attention, ultimately prompting his decision to resign from his seat in the Cortes. The evolving situation raises questions about how the PSPV-PSOE will navigate internal governance and the future rolen in the party’s organ structure, particularly as the National Executive Commission prepares to meet in Alicante later today, a gathering anticipated to yield clarifications on several open questions.
Puig skips control session this Thursday due to presentation of massive factory in Sagunto
During a corporate visit to Casa Mediterráneo in Alicante, Puig suggested that the identity of Mata’s successor in the Cortes would become clear within the week. The potential switch of Barceló from the Executive to the Legislature was discussed as a possible catalyst for reshaping the government’s structure, a move that could produce a broader realignment within regional leadership. Earlier this morning, Puig spoke on Barceló’s situation in an interview with Barceló À Punt, asserting that managerial decisions would rest with him personally and that any changes would reflect strategic considerations at the top of the administration. [Attribution: Barceló interview coverage, regional media]
The PSPV-PSOE general secretary reminded observers that Mata’s role as February’s attorney was not compatible with ongoing duties on the court’s board of trustees. Yet he emphasized that Mata had chosen to withdraw from public life in light of his legal responsibilities, not due to any accusations or investigations tied to the case itself. In this framing, the Consell’s leadership underscored the importance of allowing due process and demonstrated a preference for action aligned with both legal ethics and party discipline. This stance drew comment from opponents, who highlighted historical episodes when figures connected to the party faced scrutiny over gifts or favors received from business leaders, including cases from Rita Barberá’s administration and associated dealings. [Attribution: historical context references]
The party’s leadership reiterated that the PSPV-PSOE decides when issues arise that touch on candidates or officeholders with such profiles. Puig defended the regional government as one that has advanced transparency and anti-corruption measures, signaling that the Council would continue to pursue reforms and uphold public trust as a central priority.
In addressing Mata’s situation, Puig stressed that the decision rests with the individual, given the organic position Mata occupies within the party. He added that while the party would conduct its internal assessment in the field, there remains space for nuance: possessing a professional legal background does not necessarily conflict with the duties of a PSPV-PSOE militant and leader. The broader takeaway, according to Puig, is that governance and ethics must remain intertwined in ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and integrity across Valencian institutions.