A political examination describes a silent clash that harms without obvious injuries. The main consequences of failure would be a dented public standing, citizen discontent, and a budget of missteps shaped by persistent electoralism and short-term thinking. The reference to a dominating algorithm within a digital bubble points to misinformation as a root cause. The diagnosis was offered by Consell president Ximo Puig, linking it to the current state of Valencia while highlighting what the region must do next. He underscored that the Tajo-Segura transfer remains a priority, framing Valencia’s path as one that seeks a new land agreement, a major energy deal, and a collaborative push for employment.
Puig brought these points to a public breakfast hosted by Forum Europe, organized Monday by the New Economy Forum at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel in Madrid. Attendees included Diana Morant, Luis Planas, and José Luis Escrivá, who lead Science, Agriculture, and Social Security respectively, along with former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, José Ramón Navarro, head of the National Supreme Court, and Pepe Álvarez, secretary general of the UGT. Representatives from the Valencian Government, Salvador Navarro of the CEV employers association, and Antonio Arias, CEO of Vectalia, were also present.
Puig used the moment to reflect on the state of his administration over seven years, noting that budgets were repeatedly approved and yet the public image of the region sometimes faltered. He emphasized that Valencian Community enjoys a different competitive factor, namely stability, and pressed for reforms that would reinforce it.
From there, he outlined three central proposals. The first centers on a territorial agreement that would reform the regional financing system, introduce a debt cancellation program for common-regime communities, and promote welfare-state principles with shared responsibility and more even taxation across regions. He insisted that federation should move toward greater unity. Earlier in the talk, he directed a firm request to Alberto Núñez Feijóo, head of the PP, urging the party to embrace factual modesty and to move past rigid frontlines.
Puig also highlighted the need to sustain the Tagus River’s contributions to Segura. He argued that water remains essential to Europe’s agricultural future, available at reasonable prices, but only if dialogue remains solid and conflicts are avoided. The round of questions then turned to how Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid’s regional president, could fit into Valencia’s broader agenda as both leaders continue to navigate decentralization and water treatment at the Tagus. Puig clarified that there was no crusade against any single actor, only a crusade for fairness. He noted a forthcoming series of Madrid events tied to Valencia, stressing complementary roles between the two communities and the importance of fiscal responsibility rather than fiscal dumping. If Europe seeks tax harmonization, he asked, how can the same principle be implemented locally without friction? He reiterated support for dialogue with the Community of Madrid and insisted that the general interests of the Valencian Community would always take priority, while decentralization should not cause disruption to governance.
We have always respected and will respect the approach of justice
As the dialogue continued, Puig remained cautious about possible legal investigations involving Vice President Mónica Oltra and contemplated whether resignation might be warranted. He maintained that the administration would respect the judicial process and would await the Supreme Court’s conclusions, noting that any political statements in Cortes should be weighed carefully with the rule of law in mind.
On elections, Puig stated that there was one year to go and expressed hope for continuity. He refrained from talking about the next electoral cycle, focusing instead on the legacy left to future generations. He framed corruption in the Valencian Community as a matter belonging to the past and asserted that concerns about potential future developments did not dominate his outlook. He affirmed respect for Justice and rejected insinuations of personal involvement, suggesting there exists political will within the PP to treat all citizens as equal while acknowledging real disparities in practice.