Transfer of the PSPV-PSOE provincial secretary to Alicante, Alejandro Soler is viewed by his supporters as a move toward steady growth, clearing the path for Minister Diana Morant to become the new general secretary of the Valencian Community’s socialists, mirroring the route taken by Carlos Fernández Bielsa before Ferraz. Supporters regard this as a prudent, solidarity-driven act meant to shield the party from the strains of another primary battle after a difficult regional election loss. As of May 28, the transition remains a topic of debate, with a dozen of Soler’s initial 300 backers expressing reservations four days after his commitment to Ferraz.
“Soler, like Morant and Bielsa before him, has demonstrated a clear vision for steering the party toward favorable conditions in the future”, explains Rubén Alfaro, mayor of Elda. Mayte García, regional secretary for Marina Baixa, argues that avoiding internal clashes is wise, describing Soler’s move as part of a democratic practice aimed at unity.
Fulgencio Cerdán, the regional secretary for Alto and Medio Vinalopó, says he would welcome a three-candidate arrangement. He believes the candidates will present their own models while respecting the agreement. Congress MP Lázaro Azorín expressed surprise at the negotiated approach after the proposals were unveiled, noting that Soler’s move should be voluntary and in the party’s best interests rather than coerced.
Soler accepts Ferraz’s preference for Morant but laments the militancy decision timeline
Regarding the state secretary’s situation after recent events, Senator Ana Martínez notes that Soler has enjoyed broad support both locally and beyond the province of Alicante. Cortes deputy Ramón Abad emphasizes Soler’s status as a reference point within the PSPV and believes the party in the province will emerge stronger from the internal process, irrespective of whether Soler becomes general secretary.
Carlos González Soler, former mayor of Elche, comments that Soler has shown responsibility, party awareness, and generosity. He feels Soler is called to play a meaningful role within the PSPV, a sentiment echoed by Bielsa. Alfaro adds that Soler will push for a party model that keeps the province as an engine of influence and engagement, and suggests that Bielsa will bring that framework into negotiations.
Socialists present at Soler’s inauguration, including Pedro Ródenas, Organizing Secretary for the Alicante group, weigh in on the province’s weight in the party’s future. He notes that Ximo Puig has already included Alicante in initiatives such as the Ministry of Innovation and the Digital District and expresses confidence that Morant will continue to recognize the province’s importance.
Novelda’s mayor Fran Martínez concurs, arguing that the province should be prioritized during the integration process. Bárbara Soler, the municipal spokesperson in Torrevieja, adds that many large municipalities in the province have not yet gained appropriate influence within the Valencian Federation and hopes for new transfer points that can amplify the province’s voice.