Universities Minister Joan Subirats spoke in Valencia to emphasize that the focus should be on rethinking decentralization through clear, factual terms rather than through identity or slogans. The message highlighted a shift in approach toward distributing decision-making more evenly across regions while maintaining a solid center of coordination. Subirats pointed out that the government is pursuing this line by anchoring oversight and accountability in Madrid, yet allowing regional authorities to assume broader responsibilities. He noted that the path forward includes formalizing processes that let regional bodies lead in selecting representatives and organizing competitions for new institutions within their territories, reinforcing the idea that regional presence and input are essential parts of a modern governance framework. (Source: Government press briefing)
In addressing the audience, Ximo Puig underscored the importance of keeping symbolic moments of regional identity alive in a way that goes beyond the capital city. He advocated for decentralizing not just the administration but the cultural and political rituals that shape public life, so that events like Hispanic Day and electoral debates can take place in diverse locales rather than being concentrated in Madrid. Puig argued for a system of multi-level governance that actively includes social agents and ordinary citizens, ensuring that governance reflects local realities and fosters broad participation. He cited projects such as the reconstruction pact with citizen participation and similar regional initiatives like the Vega Renhace plan as practical demonstrations of this approach. (Source: Seminar closing remarks)
Overall, the discussions framed decentralization as a living process that links regional autonomy with shared standards, ensuring accountability and citizen involvement at every level. The idea is to empower local administration while preserving national coherence, so that institutions respond more effectively to the needs of diverse communities across regions. The participants urged ongoing collaboration among government bodies, regional authorities, and civil society to shape policies that are both locally relevant and federally consistent, with clear mechanisms for evaluation, feedback, and adaptation over time. (Source: Seminar conclusions)