Civic unrest persists as regional tensions grow within the Liberal ranks in the Valencian Community
The current mood among citizens is unsettled as instability continues to shape the landscape this month. Weakened by disappointing results in the recent regional elections in Catalonia, Madrid, Castilla y Leon, and Andalusia, internal divisions within the Liberal faction have sharpened. The Valencian Community has seen episodes such as the Orihuela no confidence motion and a purge of critics by the national leadership. Most recently, a circulating form among militants sought signatures calling for the regional secretary, Teresa Ortiz, to be dismissed.
When questioned about whether the MP was behind the signature collection, Javier Gutierrez, who was definitively removed from the position of provincial coordinator due to his critical stance on the Orihuela motion, stated that he was neither instigator nor organizer. The Infrastructure head in the City Council did not shy away from underscoring that Teresa Ortiz does not align with the ongoing work. He added, I do not need to collect signatures anywhere. I have repeatedly demanded the resignation of both Teresa Ortiz and the national leadership, he asserted.
Teresa Ortiz contends that this move amounts to revenge in the wake of recent internal clashes within the party. The liberals are also being urged to cede their roles as a member of the Provincial Council, a development linked to the Suma Tax Management advisory board. The movement surfaced last week after Rafa Congost was stripped of his membership at the Gil-Albert Institute of Culture, another entity connected to the provincial institution.
Ortiz explains that the signature collection was intended as a public expression of dissatisfaction with the Valencia Community Organization Secretary. The message notes serious crisis within the party and criticizes unilateral decisions taken without consultation with the various elected and organizational positions in the Valencian Community. The text argues that the secretary cannot be expected to unify the party if internal disagreements persist and electors are not heard.
The rise of internal voices within Cs signals the possibility of fresh electoral arrangements in the near term. This comes after a disappointing election cycle and rising talk of joint candidacies with the People’s Party, a prospect that has divided Liberal members. Some militants remain resolute against alliances with the PP, while others see joint lists as a pragmatic path forward. The friction is evident in the departures and resignations within leadership circles in the Valencian Community, such as Jesús Gimeno, Corporate Action Secretary, and Vicente Ten, chief financial officer, whose exits reflect broader concerns about strategy and responsiveness.
The collapse of Cs in Andalusia and the ensuing upheaval in the regional cabinet has sparked a push from mayors, deputies, and liberal district representatives in Alicante to seek guidance from the national leadership. They argue that the party is at a crossroads and that an extraordinary congress is necessary to chart a course ahead of the 2023 election cycle. Julia Parra, vice-president of the Diputación, spoke of the call for a period of internal reflection and for decisive steps to ensure better electoral outcomes next year.
The prospect of participating in future elections through joint lists with the PP continues to provoke debate within Cs. Ruth Merino, a Cortes trustee and one of the public faces in the community, recently voiced concern about the electoral strategy after the losses. She maintains a firm stance against coalition lists with the PP, emphasizing the need for a clear path that does not dilute the party’s identity.
Across the Valencian Community, observers note a growing sense that the party must address leadership questions and redefine its strategy to regain trust. The internal chatter reflects a broader pattern seen in other regions following a challenging electoral year. While some stakeholders push for strategic alliances, others insist on rebuilding the party’s own strengths and standing on independent merits. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders weigh the risks and rewards of different configurations ahead of upcoming political events.