Vicente Barrera outlines culture and sports priorities for the Valencian Parliament
Vicente Barrera, First Vice-President of Consell and Minister of Culture and Sports, presented action plans for the upcoming legislative session on the floor of the Valencian Parliament. He stated that the guiding criteria for the Ministry will be freedom, adherence to the law, and prudent use of public funds. He also announced a Patronage Law designed to equip the Office with effective content, materials, and personnel to foster participatory culture, aiming to raise awareness among citizens and companies about opportunities for involvement in cultural initiatives and the available financial incentives. This approach signals a new era for culture and sports in the region, with Barrera describing his appointment as a historic milestone. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Consell has yet to complete the organizational chart
The vice president outlined the core management criteria: cultural freedom, commitment to the rule of law, and the promotion of a culture where there are no winners and losers and where no one is left behind. He emphasized rational use of public funds and the creation of synergies between public and private sectors that encourage private initiative while upholding quality standards. Public administration should invite broad participation, yet it will not endorse every idea. He stated that this Ministry and the vice presidency will not tolerate proposals that conflict with constitutional principles. He condemned pan-Catalan, colonialist, and annexationist cultural movements funded by Valencian resources, declaring those practices finished. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Barrera pledged to eradicate all forms of marginalization and political persecution. He described culture as a space for encounter and freedom and promised to maintain that principle throughout the current legislative period. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Reading Promotion Plan
The culture and sports policy lead for the Generalitat Valenciana announced the creation of a robust Reading Promotion Plan. This initiative aims to strengthen reading habits and benefit society as a whole, building on the previous Reading Plan, which had limited outcomes despite a budget of 49 million euros. Project criteria in the performing arts would be redefined to ensure evaluations are driven by talent, artistic quality, and social impact, rather than ideological or linguistic biases. The plan will deepen ties with national and Valencian classical theatre while supporting modern and contemporary theatre in both languages. A network of performance proposals across three provinces will back theatre, music, dance, and literature. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Plans to mark 2025 with a moment of silence for writer María Beneyto on her centennial birth and to establish the Jaume I Route, a geographic itinerary that centers literary anniversaries, were also outlined. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Protect the heritage
The vice president announced a higher budget for preserving, restoring, and disseminating Valencia’s cultural heritage. The agenda covers completing the rehabilitation of the Roman Theater of Sagunto, the Almoravid walls in Elche, the Xàtiva walls, the Ducal Palace of Gandia, and the Temple of San Juan de Peñagolosa in Castellón. Attention was drawn to the relaunch of the Year of Sempere, with a working commission and funding to honor Onil artist Eusebio Sempere and to advocate renaming Alicante’s train station to Alicante Eusebio Sempere. The program also includes rehabilitating the Carmen Center and upgrading the Museum of Fine Arts, ensuring modern management and top-level services. The San Miguel de los Reyes monastery required urgent intervention due to safety gaps, and steps had been taken to address neglected issues inherited from the previous administration. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Sports examination
On sports policy, the vice president signaled plans to expand tax relief for families engaging in physical activity and sports. He proposed supporting national efforts to reduce VAT on sport services to 10%, aiming to boost participation and public health. A new supervision framework will monitor facilities, equipment, and qualifications mandated by law since 2011 to ensure compliance by sports organizations. The ministry would reaffirm the maritime sector as a regional reference point, proposing a major Maritime Sports Activities Center at Valencia Marina. Special protections would extend to women and para-athletes, with indigenous sports such as Pilota receiving ongoing support alongside traditional events. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Popular group
Paqui Bartual, the Popular Group’s Culture spokesperson, argued that the government should avoid division or extremism. She asserted that Valencian identity and culture deserve strong defense, insisting that Valencian culture is ours and should be celebrated without external impositions. She defended the cultural values of the Valencian Community, stressing that the region’s identity should be protected and cherished. (Valencian Government, 2024)
Socialist group
Jose Chulvi, Culture spokesperson for the Socialist Group in the Cortes, criticized delegating Valencian culture to allied parties, suggesting it could risk regional values in a global context. He accused Barrera of censorship and questioned recent actions and transparency, calling for explanations regarding his role across multiple companies and the perceived lack of an active agenda in recent days. He argued that debates should focus on safeguarding culture and language rather than political distractions. (Valencian Government, 2024)