Ximo Puig appeared this Wednesday in a navy suit that stayed on his shoulders as he moved through the day, never shedding the jacket. The visual impression was more than style; it projected the texture of an institutional leadership stepping into electoral life with careful confidence. Puig has long carried the image of a steady, roadmap-forward politician, and that impression was amplified by the campaign posture he adopted: a leader who believes that the Generalitat’s mandate should be measured by a willingness to cross divides and seek broad support. The campaign posters would soon carry the message, with Puig’s face, the PSPV logo, and a bold fist-and-rose emblem, underscoring a call for unity behind a shared project.
The Valencian political landscape kicked off its pre-campaign for 28M with a public, symbolic gesture that gathered crowds at Plaza de Manises, just outside the gates of the Palau. The maneuver was more than a spectacle; it signified Puig’s intention to remain at the helm of the Consell beyond the upcoming May vote. The Valencian Socialists cast Puig as their central claim, a figure whose leadership they scarcely expect to be rivaled by other regional brands such as Juanma Moreno Bonilla in Andalusia or Alberto Núñez Feijóo in Galicia. The messaging pointed toward continuity and a reinforced alliance, with the hope of translating the current government’s momentum into a durable political win.
The event carried music and a sense of buoyant energy. The familiar fist-and-rose motif recurred as the campaign sought a broad, optimistic majority, calling for proximity and trust. A local mayor described the day as a holiday, joining Puig and other officials on a lively bus tour that aimed to connect the party with ordinary citizens in a direct, unpolished way. The mood was a blend of celebration and strategy, a performance that mixed lighthearted moments with the seriousness of public governance. Puig’s later remarks framed the Valencian Community’s progress as a concrete narrative, supported by data and tempered by a readiness to deepen regional development.
Earlier on, one of the campaign’s signature voices introduced the Valencian Youth Council’s former president, Christina Martinez, as the eighth candidate on the Valencia-to-Corts list. She spoke of a project that had become clearer through collective effort, emphasizing that many who have never before joined the party could contribute to advancing a social majority. Puig echoed the sentiment, expressing happiness that broad participation could broaden the movement beyond traditional party lines, inviting support from a wider spectrum of society. Yaissel Sanchez from the UGT and Alicante’s candidates also contributed to the tempo of the rally, signaling unity across labor and regional representation.
On stage, Puig appeared against a white backdrop, his jacket and the red slogan — a simple declaration of intent — serving as a visual anchor while the Socialist Party’s anthem provided a familiar cadence. The address began with a pointed critique of the opposition, urging action in public spaces across the region rather than confining political life to a single central square. The message was clear: governance must reach into towns, neighborhoods, and villages alike. The speech emphasized spontaneity carefully balanced with plan, a tactic designed to mobilize a wide audience ahead of the weekend’s pivotal moments. Puig’s approach balanced accessibility with seriousness, stepping off the orbit of the office to greet people on the street.
The core themes of the address highlighted improvements in social indicators, particularly employment, and framed these gains as the foundation for ongoing government action. Puig spoke of building a broader alliance that would mobilize private sector participation, especially within housing policy, to shape the next term. He noted that, unlike other regions where demonstrations become heated, there was a consensus in Valencia around safeguarding public health and maintaining orderly governance during health measures. The emphasis was on stability and constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.
The notion of dialogue as a political virtue continued throughout the remarks, with Puig presenting conversation with citizens as the replacement for conflict-laden rhetoric. He acknowledged the UGT leadership in Ford Almussafes, Carlos Faubel, and contrasted this stance with calls from other factions that lean toward conflict in pursuit of reform. The underlying message suggested that reform would move society forward, but through cooperation rather than clash, a posture meant to reassure voters about steady progress.
The campaign also touched on economic symbolism, including references to major industrial milestones. Puig recalled receiving a letter to Volkswagen on October 8 signaling interest in partnership, using the moment to illustrate a future-oriented trajectory for the Valencian economy. The message invited residents to decide whether to return to familiar paths or push forward toward new opportunities, with a gentle allusion to the Gürtel era and the Volkswagen prospect as a test of regional resilience and ambition. The broader aim was to embed a vision where leadership aligns with tangible, practical outcomes for workers and families, rather than rhetoric alone.