The head of the Generalitat opened the new political course with a clear message at the New Economic Forum, continuing the postpandemic habit of face‑to‑face breakfasts. He urged political actors not to chase polls but to focus on tangible needs, saying the moment is about ensuring households have access to essentials like refrigerators rather than scoring short‑term political points. [Citation: Valencia regional statement, attribution to the presidencia of the Generalitat]
In practical terms, any movement or proposal that gains traction now would have to withstand the scrutiny of the upcoming election, scheduled for nine months from then. Ximo Puig’s address did not shy away from this reality. The conference highlighted a tax inspection in the Valencia region, though specific details were not disclosed. He stated that the Treasury is working on it and that the topic would be reviewed at the forthcoming Consell seminar this weekend, framed as part of a broader effort to counter inflation. He stressed that reform priorities remain focused on easing cost pressures, while noting that the described tax action would be very limited in scope. [Citation: Valencia government briefing, attribution to the Consell]
The overarching aim of the reform is to assist the middle and working classes, reinforce protections for the most vulnerable, and spur job creation. In this context, Puig reaffirmed the plan for a municipal alliance against inflation and announced that mayors would be invited to a forthcoming municipal conference to coordinate responses. [Citation: Valencia leadership communications, attribution to PSPV]
Inflation rises, he explained, are closely tied to the energy crisis, which also served as a central axis of the conference. Puig defended commitments to renewable energy and criticized any renewed emphasis on nuclear power. The Consell’s leadership has steered Valencia toward an energy transformation path under the Valencia Pact, framing it as an opportunity to safeguard the planet while rebooting the economy. He stressed the need to encourage the installation of clean energy sources, acknowledging that this direction has sparked debates within the governing coalition for months due to the energy shock triggered by the war. [Citation: Valencia Pact and energy strategy records, attribution to Consell leadership]
Since 2015, Puig has operated within a Botànic framework that emphasizes social progress without provoking friction with the business sector. He called for higher wages and for advancing the inter‑professional minimum wage through social dialogue and agreements with employers, signaling a bold but measured approach to wage growth. He also described leasing as an ambitious solution to address affordability and labor market needs. [Citation: Botànic era policy notes, attribution to Puig speeches]
The president and PSPV leader underscored Valencia’s stance on employment and social protection, noting a significant shift since 2015. He pointed out that while back‑to‑school costs have risen sharply, these costs are not simply tied to free textbooks in public education. He highlighted that employment losses earlier gave way to the creation of more than 300,000 jobs during the Botànic period, asserting that Valencia is an autonomous region where inequality grows less than elsewhere and social cohesion remains comparatively resilient. [Citation: Valencia social‑economic report, attribution to regional administration]
Discussion during the conference did not address every issue, and some topics remained off the table. Puig did not mention the tourist tax, and there was no explicit mention of the broader regional funding increases that have characterized recent years. [Citation: Conference coverage notes, attribution to regional communications]
During a question session, Puig expressed hope that former Vice President Mónica Oltra would be dismissed, describing her as a valid figure. This remark added a personal dimension to the day’s proceedings, illustrating the interpersonal dynamics that accompany regional politics. [Citation: Conference Q&A transcripts, attribution to regional media]