Following the presentation by Ximo Puig, secretary general of PSPV-PSOE and former president of the Generalitat, Club Information presented his book “An Idea of Hope,” opening a Q&A focusing on the current and near-term future of regional and national politics. The session began with questions about possible paths for leading Spain, including scenarios under popular Alberto Núñez Feijóo or socialist Pedro Sánchez. Puig was also asked about potential roles in a hypothetical Sánchez administration, including ministerial duties related to regional policy. He signaled that his present priority is delivering strong opposition to the current regional government, rather than pursuing a new national post. The discussion touched on the formation of a future government and the political dynamics in Catalonia, including calls for amnesty and sovereignty ambitions by some independence voices, which Puig described as an “adventure.” He argued that the push for independence has effectively run its course, noting that Catalans have shown that their bid for sovereignty has evolved. He also condemned intimidation against independence leaders and suggested that Puigdemont does not speak for all Catalonia. Returning to office, Puig emphasized that citizens have spoken and that any future government should reflect reality, rather than individual wishes.
Puig’s remarks outlined a broader hope for Spain’s political landscape amid evident complexity, with the aim of guiding policy through difficult times.
Puig calls for hope in the face of ‘complexity’ of our political present
Puig’s appearance drew support from prominent socialists and public figures on the international stage. Attendees included Pilar Bernabé, Government delegate in the Community, and Carlos Sánchez, sub-delegate in the state. The room also featured a national socialist trustee in the Cortes, the Alicante municipal leader Rebeca Torró, Alcoy mayor Ana Barceló, former president of the Provincial Council Toni Francés, and the current speaker of the provincial institution Antonio Mira-Perceval, among others. Vicente Arques, general manager of Casa Mediterráneo, Andrés Perelló, and former mayors of Elche, Carlos González and Diego Maciá, were also present.
Business leaders and other stakeholders followed the intervention with live coverage by Antonio Arias, Toni Mayor, José Juan Fornés, Juan Riera, Luis Consuegra, and Jesús Navarro, among others. In terms of socialist representation, Cortes deputies Yaissel Sánchez, Rosario Navalón, Mario Villar, Laura Soler, and Ramón Abad were in attendance, along with Emilio Soler, Antonio Rodes, Toñi Serna, Miguel Millana, Eva Montesinos, and former senator Ángel Franco.
During a question-and-answer round, former Puig councilor Manuel Alcaraz and former Valencia Cortes president Antonio García Miralles contributed thoughts that helped shape Puig’s vision on European Union reform. They discussed constitutional reforms, the autonomous model, and the idea of federalism. After Alcaraz spoke, Puig offered a perspective on the cultural weight needed to address emerging challenges, including artificial intelligence. He stressed that identities exist and argued that Spain’s tragedy lies in equating diversity with anti-Spanish sentiment. He added that Spanish identity should not be reduced to the narrow view held by some groups, quoting a sentiment that resonated with the assembled audience.