This is how the newly elected head of the Generalitat appeared before the Valencian Parliament at 3:30 yesterday afternoon. While the room was crowded with quotes, references, and allusions typical of an investigative session, this concise first appearance carries two pieces of information that are as important as they are specific for understanding Carlos Mazón. First, his position in Alicante, far from hidden yesterday, had already been highlighted several times in his remarks. He touched on the water issue with a different stance on the Tajo-Segura transfer, spoke about the future of tourism with a pledge to abolish the tourism tax, and addressed the industrial sector of Valencia. The mention of Alicante’s traditional industries, such as shoes and toys, comes as a surprise in a moment when the Community seems to envision only gigafactories; that shift does not lessen the significance of the point.
Second, his age: 49. Yet, as Murakami would suggest, behind that cheerful, runner-like appearance that often invites envy, Mazón is not among the youngest presidents Valencia has ever seen at the time of his arrival. It is true that the current “dean” of Valencia’s presidential staff, in terms of age, handed over the baton: Ximo Puig was 56 when he took office in 2015. Even so, Mazón remains far from being a newcomer. Lerma assumed office at 32; Camps, 41; and Eduardo Zaplana, 39. Vargas Llosa once called 49 the “flower of age,” a reference he uses, and Mazón’s trajectory—personal, professional, and political—led him here, in a way that surprised many. Yet as the day unfolded, stepping into this role at 49 has given him substantial experience and a readiness to manage the responsibilities ahead.
In his introductory remarks, he appeared fair, restrained, and legible, with a certain reluctance to embrace traditional ceremonial roles. Yet Mazón demonstrated a knack for precise copying and clear positioning, choosing his battles carefully and steering away from direct clashes with Puig, even as the outgoing president turned a sharper tone and questioned the new president’s intentions. He did not shy from firm moments when Baldoví pressed too hard, provoking the Vox leader, who struggled to respond from a fixed stance. Mazón answered decisively, without a grimace, signaling that he would not let anyone derail his day. The debate, set against the backdrop of a national election campaign, was expected to proceed with a certain calm so that the transition would be orderly and the government could continue its work without unnecessary delays.
Still, the tone shifted when Vox—an uneasy but essential ally—reentered the scene, pushing the limits of what can be said in the early stages of policy presentation. Mazón aimed to stay steady and respectful toward those who would support him in the hours and minutes that followed. Though there were clear distinctions between them, there were also shared concerns and overlapping objectives. The exchange was charged with mixed signals in Vox’s response to union leader Ana Vega. Mazón had already mentioned “macho violence” and even “gender violence” in his speech. The moment was rife with drama, and predicting the exact outcome would be premature. Time will tell whether his government remains cohesive or experiences the strains of a complex coalition, especially when Mazón reminded Ana Vega with a quiet gesture that the upcoming steps would be decisive. The day’s agenda was focused on clearing the path for governance, and the party’s aim—reaching the presidency—took center stage.
Meanwhile, a larger issue hovered in the room: a kind of elephant in the room that the left has yet to fully acknowledge, even as power shifts. The sense of denial—still lingering days after the electoral defeat—made some observers wary. The result of this denial would be the attempt by Botànic members to evaluate an administration already chosen by voters. Mazón used the moment to emphasize that the session marked a transition that had been decided at the ballot box, underscoring the legitimacy and momentum behind his administration. The atmosphere was charged, the room alive with the politics of transition, and Mazón’s words aimed to project confidence, control, and a clear path forward for his government.