The penultimate plenary session of this legislature in the Valencian Parliament wrapped up yesterday with a formal gathering. The opposition fixated on administration and the endurance of the president figure, Ximo Puig, along with Generalitat health policies.
As usual, the Consell president answered a flurry of questions with a broad set of data. The day began with the sharpest moment of political tension. The PPCV spokesperson, Maria José Katala, addressed the event at Beis train time. The trustee accused the socialist leadership of aligning with Madrid on major Community issues, ignoring questions about incidents like the Azud case or the Mónica Oltra issue. The closing remark implied that the strategy had achieved its political payoff.
Ximo Puig fills Cortes’ penultimate plenary session with data
The President insisted that the Consell takes responsibility in every crisis and stands with those affected, a stance he says contrasts with what happens under PP administrations. He added that opponents should remember certain actions early in his term, including acknowledging subway accident victims in 2015.
Puig responded to Catalá that the popular party aimed to reverse progress but lacked Valencian support for such a move. He suggested that Banacity had shifted toward its political side. Still, public calls repeatedly demanded ministerial resignations over issues such as the Bejís fire.
Line 9 Alicante-Dénia
The debate intensified during the intervention of the Minister for Regional Policy. Rebeca Toro promised to address the concerns raised by Miguel Barrachina about Line 9, the tram connecting Alicante to Dénia. The PP argued that the bridges cannot bear the trains’ weight, while the PSPV countered that the bridges require modernization. Barrachina and Caballero faced interruptions as Toro paused to respond multiple times.
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In another notable moment, representatives from Compromís and Unides Podem stepped forward, highlighting a shift in pre-operation plans. Pilar Lima and others spoke about banners and a perceived dividing line between Botànic factions. A call for inclusive regional funding followed, with Robles urging Puig to push for fair funding in political and judicial arenas. Joan Baldó, nominated by nationalist forces for the presidency, was part of the discussion.
The President accepted the challenge but did not endorse the proposal. Puig supported continuing the strategy of demand for funding and emphasized improvements in transfers to the Valencian Community. He warned of potential complications with a financing system outside the Botànic framework, drawing parallels to a model seen in Galicia under Alberto Núñez Feijóo. The session closed with a reminder that the next legislature should approach funding issues with renewed energy and a call to those who can solve the problem.
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Turning to a question from We Can, a representative argued for housing achievements and pressed Puig to urge Madrid to unblock the national housing law. The President was urged to maintain a constructive dialogue and to pursue a Third Botànic alliance if possible.
Votes approved a package including a decree to reduce transportation costs, refinements to the Animal Protection Law, the Climate Change Agency, and recommendations on cooperative housing, as well as measures against depopulation and the promotion of citizen participation.
During the question period, much attention centered on healthcare. Advisor Miguel Mínguez followed Puig’s lead, presenting statistics amid persistent questions about supply shortages and staffing in centers and hospitals. The debate underscored ongoing concerns about health system resilience and resource allocation across the Community.
The penultimate stage of the plenary began a quieter, more reflective note. Some members used their turn to bid farewell to colleagues and rivals as the session neared its close. One retirements example involved Jesús Salmerón, a former Ciudadanos member, while others contemplated possible goodbyes such as Fernando Llopis, who publicly thanked the Assembly. Carla G. Ricarte, a Finance Ministry adviser, posted a farewell photo with Ximo Puig on social channels.
In a personal reflection shared on social media, a long-time observer noted this was the last session in the Parliament for a certain journalist, marking a historic transition after a decade and more of public service. The sense of change hung over the chamber as legislators prepared for the next phase of Valencian politics.