At the gates of the Corts Valencianes this morning, a feminist coordinator led a gathering aimed at challenging agreements described as dismissive of sexist violence and urging Mazón to align his commitments with women’s rights while opposing Vox. Despite securing permission, the demonstration had to form a visible presence outside San Lorenzo square after multiple communications with the national police officers present on site indicated continuing restrictions. The initial plan had the concentration positioned at the doorstep of the Palau dels Borja, but authorities redirected the group to stand behind a substantial police cordon and gathered them outside the perimeter before the Corts premises.
From early hours, a sense of unease characterized the mood as protesters voiced concerns about the restriction of what they deemed freedom of speech during a particularly sensitive moment. It was noted that Vox leader Santiago Abascal entered the Corts Valencianes to participate in a discussion on constitutional law, intensifying the atmosphere surrounding the event.
Candida Barroso, spokesperson for the feminist coordinator, articulated the frustration of many who attended. She emphasized that the feminist movement has not felt able to advance for the first time in four decades, describing the government delegation’s authorization as a source of indignation while criticizing the placement of women behind vases and a perceived attempt to confine them to peripheral roles. Barroso simultaneously referenced the possibility of a government coalition including the PP and Vox after the elections on May 28, highlighting the broader political context shaping the protest.
Barroso asserted that the demonstrators did not intend to infringe on rights. She expressed a firm stance against a representative who might appear to condone far right or sexist violence, and she urged Mazón to demonstrate consistency in his commitments. She questioned the distinction made by authorities between public expression and perceived risks, suggesting that the denial of freedom to speak constitutes a deeper injury to the civic space they seek to defend.
In a moment of mobilization, Barroso indicated that years of activism underlie their stance. She reminded onlookers that the movement has accumulated history and experience that should enable participation before the constitutional framework of the Cortes. The prospect of four more years of the same political dynamic was framed as a potential impasse, underscoring the stakes involved for those who organize and participate in these demonstrations.
Shortly after, the mood shifted as Abascal entered the Cortes with his entourage amid a chorus of whistles directed at the feminist coordinator. The scene underscored the polarized reactions surrounding the protest and the mounting tension between different political currents at the heart of the regional parliament.
As the proceedings unfolded, police authorities confirmed that the Feminist Coordinator had the authority to meet in the designated square. The situation evolved with the crowd gradually consolidating on one side of the square, still encircled by a substantial police cordon. After a period of monitoring, protesters managed to advance toward the gate facing the main entrance of the Corts complex, signaling a determination to maintain a visible presence despite the security measures in place. The advancing position reflected a broader pattern of public demonstrations where civil society groups press for attention to gender-based violence and the commitments of political leaders to address these concerns, a dynamic observed by observers and reflected in ongoing discussions about rights and representation in regional governance. This report is based on on-site observations and statements from participants and officials at the scene. Attribution: Valencia regional press coverage and corroborated eyewitness accounts.