The first control session of the year in Cortes for President Carlos Mazón opened the Valencian Parliament’s activities this week with a plenary session. For the first time in nine years, every spokesperson from the political blocs was male, and a decree was approved to extend reduced public transport fares through June. The session featured sharp opposition criticism of the Consell for a perceived missed obligation and questions about the supervision of the first vice president and the Minister of Culture. Vicente Barrera clarified that the tourism campaign had been launched 24 hours earlier in support of the LGTBI community, a move Mazón described as a personal stance in a private capacity.
The left, pressing for Mazón to dismiss Barrera this Tuesday, quickly shifted to a broader critique. PSPV and Compromís labeled Barrera’s statements as not mere personal opinions but as hateful and homophobic remarks. Rosa Peris drew a comparison, suggesting that even a potato omelet is a matter of personal taste, but opposing the campaign would be a political stand. The socialist delegation summarized the situation by arguing that the government’s direction shows involvement with the far right, rather than a neutral stance.
Yet, the president of the Consell handed the floor to the second vice president, Susana Camarero. Her department oversees the campaign Barrera questioned. Neither the first vice president nor any Vox council members spoke during the entire control session.
Camarero acknowledged what she described as normal inconsistencies within the Valencian Government, noting that the current situation mirrors the Botànic era in spirit, but with distinct expressions of policy. She emphasized that the differences lie in the manner of execution, not the fundamental goals.
On a specific point, Camarero argued that the opposition is less concerned with Barrera’s personal view than with the content of the campaign itself. She asserted that the banner promoting diversity is not a property of any single political side. The head of Social Services defended Consell’s commitment to LGBTQI policies, stressing that the approach serves everyone regardless of ideology and fosters an inclusive society.
Camarero suggested that this perspective is supported by the LGTBI community, adding that the opposition attacked the initiative for that reason. She stated that Consell works for all citizens, advocating for a modern and diverse community. The group has embraced the direction of governance, while those opposite perhaps mourn the passing of a flag that no longer represents their stance. Morality and ideology should not block the drive for diversity.
Mazón on non-payment issues
Mazón personally confronted the attacks from PSPV and Compromís over cases tied to various parts of the Generalitat, including matters related to addiction services, pharmacy payments, payments to reserve workers, and Education payrolls. From the podium, the Consell president reviewed the payments settled by the end of January, referencing improvements in handling outstanding issues. Critics shouted from the floor, signaling disagreement with the approach taken by Camarero and other officials. José Muñoz, voices from the socialist camp, joined in the chorus demanding accountability.
In addition to the perceived mismanagement of payrolls and several visits to the Cortes, the PSPV spokesperson accused Mazón of pressuring the media. A video circulated showing the Consell president addressing workers, alleging improper coverage on Valencian public television programs.
Mazón reiterated his intention to project a conciliatory image to the opposition. He proposed possible agreements on issues like financing, with particular emphasis on stabilizing funds that would be used to engage Vox, as well as topics such as renewable energy, the ceramics sector, and the renewal of legal bodies. He questioned what sort of PSOE leadership would emerge in this moment of internal reflection and reorganization.
Camarero replied by challenging the socialist side, responding to Mercedes Caballero’s question about what the Popular Party failed to understand. She suggested that they are in an internal moment that provokes strong reactions, and urged them to reposition themselves as a constructive opposition.