Question: What led her to take on the challenge of the Consell at this moment?
The interview explains that the main reason is a strong sense of responsibility. There was no other way to face the challenge but to accept it with full awareness and to work as has always been done. It mentions active listening, teamwork, and the development of projects to respond to current needs. The goal is to act with agility and closeness in the face of the reconstruction that lies ahead.
“The sense of responsibility drives the move; there is full awareness of the challenge”
Question: How did the proposal come from the president, Carlos Mazón?
It was explained that the trust placed was gratifying, recalling that it had already been shown during the European elections in June. The president knew her trajectory in the business community. It was emphasized that the work rests on listening, on a politics of closeness, and on solutions. That was the objective when joining the PP candidacy. Confronted with the current situation, a new call came that could not be refused. The president’s approach centers on proximity, listening, and swift responses.
“The affected deserve to be heard and for responses to their problems to be accelerated”
Question: Have meetings with some of the affected sectors already taken place? What has been found?
It was reported that several damaged industrial parks had already been visited and emergency contracts were launched to support cleaning and the recovery of these areas. It was observed that in some zones progress is substantial. The need to listen to those involved and to speed up responses to the problems in order to restore key activities was emphasized. It was highlighted that the drought that hit the region concentrates about a third of Valencia’s companies, underscoring the region’s economic importance.
Question: From the commerce sector, one of the four major areas of her ministry, will empathy and closeness be highlighted?
It was indicated that closeness with the commerce sector has already existed and will be deepened. Many shops have been affected. In her professional path listening and seeking solutions have formed the backbone of public service, with humility and teamwork. Although the focus used to be sectoral, it will broaden; she will continue listening to needs and designing tools for consolidation and growth.
Question: Where do the efforts for the industrial recovery begin?
It was stated that 72 industrial parks are affected. The urgent priority was cleaning so that companies could resume operations quickly. The decree of direct aid, totaling 50 million for the remainder of the year and another 50 million for the next year, was approved. Half of the budget goes to industrial companies and the other half to commerce and tourism. Aid reaches up to 30,000 euros for industries and up to 15,000 for commerce, tourism, or self-employed workers with more than one employee.
Question: Is there an estimate of the material damage caused by the DANA yet?
A first figure was given, with a more exhaustive assessment to follow. Damage in industrial parks is around 7.0 billion and the total estimate exceeds 10.9 billion. From the outset, coordination with the national government has been sought to facilitate rapid and effective aid and to recognize the magnitude of the disaster and the need to act in the 87 municipalities affected. It was also stated that collaboration with Europe would be pursued for recovery after the century’s greatest catastrophe.
“One cannot halt the momentum of autonomy and it is vital to recover a zone key to the country”
Question: How is the balance maintained between reconstruction and not neglecting the large industrial areas of the region?
It was said that efforts must be doubled and advanced in parallel. In September, the president presented a plan to reindustrialize with 2,000 million to boost the ministry’s strategic axes. The project and key lines such as the energy plan, the development of industrial land, administrative simplification, and cluster policies must move forward. The Valencian Community cannot slow its pace, and recovering a region key to the country’s economy is crucial.
Question: And what message can be given to traditional sectors?
It was explained that the ministry will focus its efforts on reconstruction and continues advancing the reindustrialization plan. Traditional sectors feel supported, knowing that work will be done alongside them, and that many claims from the interviewee’s professional background have been acknowledged. The challenges of digitalization, sustainability, talent attraction, and maintaining competitiveness in light of central government sustainability regulations are well understood.
Question: From the tourism sector, campaigns to promote the Valencian Community after the DANA on October 29 are requested. What has been done?
Turisme Comunitat Valenciana launched a nationwide and international publicity and promotion campaign to restore the destination’s image after the flood. It covers the three provinces and allocates 2.5 million. The aim is to attract visitors, thank the solidarity shown, and spread a message of optimism about people’s ability to overcome difficult moments, signaling that the destination remains ready to welcome travelers with the usual guarantees.
“Tourism debate? There is no over-saturation or distinctly overrun destinations”
Question: What is the stance on the debate about the tourism model and sustainability?
The emphasis on tourism’s contribution to GDP was recalled, and it was stated that the region will continue to be a global reference. The ministry supports regulated and sustainable tourism aligned with the sector. While opinions differ, no destinations are identified as overly crowded or facing saturation. The autonomy boasted a pioneering sustainable tourism strategy with certification.
Question: What about the decree on regulating tourist housing?
A framework agreement with the FVMP was presented to delegate to municipalities the inspection and sanctioning powers. Several cities, including Valencia, Alicante, Elche, Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Benicàssim, have shown interest in joining the agreement. Tools will be created for municipalities to manage controls, apply sanctions, and advance a regulated tourism.
Question: Will the voices within the PP push for a second runway at Alicante-Elche Airport?
The call rests on international tourism data arriving at the region, mainly via the airport. In the first ten months of this year there were more than 99,000 flights, almost 15 percent higher than last year, with nearly 16 million passengers. Looking at other provinces, such as Málaga, investments have boosted tourism, supporting the argument to expand infrastructure.
Question: Does the integration of AVI into Ivace+i slow down innovation?
The Consell’s philosophy is to simplify procedures and maintain a single window for businesses. Duplicates among senior officials are being eliminated with an estimated saving of 2 million. The single window addresses the demands of various sectors, and the reorganization has accelerated responses in areas like energy and industry. Satisfaction with the integration was expressed, aiming for agility and effectiveness.
Question: Was one of the latest actions the creation of an aerospace industry committee?
The commitment to maintain a line of strategic projects to attract investment and support companies with key initiatives for regional development was confirmed. Support was shown for firms with innovative projects, such as PLD Space and others related to satellites or robotics, highlighting that the innovative spirit is essential and will receive backing.
Question: How is the DANA management evaluated from a political perspective?
Political opportunism was rejected. The priority was to express support for all affected families. The catastrophe’s unprecedented scale was acknowledged; mistakes in speed could have occurred, but it was clear that total dedication was given. The aim is to accompany the affected and cooperate; there would be no quarrels, just teamwork.
Question: One controversial topic was Mazón’s delay in appearing before Cecopi on October 29. What happened?
The president delivered a clear and detailed appearance in the Cortes. The events were explained, and it was emphasized that response agencies were already formed and that the catastrophe’s magnitude exceeded all forecasts. Readers are urged to refer to the president’s statement and the analysis conducted.
Question: Was the Cortes appearance a sufficient explanation?
It was stated that past actions and current measures were explained. The overall goal of the Consell is to deliver tangible results and clear responses.
Question: What about Nuria Montes’s dismissal?
Nuria Montes was known to the interviewee, with a strong personal and professional rapport. It was noted that the replacement was facilitated by a solid team, with ongoing collaboration; the whole is the product of friendship and effort.
“Work must continue and leave behind the mudslinging of politics”
Question: What were the reasons behind the dismissal?
Entering politics comes with known challenges. The approach rejects adversarial tactics and the narrative of attacks and rumors. The focus is on work and listening with proximity and humility. Public service should reflect that stance, and the mud of politics should not be rewarded, because society deserves leaders who act with integrity and without exploiting misfortune for personal gain.
Question: Do you think the new Consell is prepared to face the reconstruction?
There is pride in being part of this team. It is affirmed that the president and the Consell share a clear objective with defined responsibilities. The emphasis is on reconstruction, and the vice presidency is led by a person with proven capacity and a strong sense of public service.
Question: Is it true that a military deployment was needed where civilians could not act?
The UME’s notable deployment at Feria Valencia was noted. The army’s arrival could have been anticipated, yet the task is not to impose order but to add discipline and experience in the face of a crisis of this magnitude. Its presence is seen as positive, and the vice president contributes a useful perspective.
Question: What about eliminating the salary cap for high-ranking officials?
The measure rests on legal norms; no salaries of Consell members have been increased, and rumors are unfounded. It is a public and verifiable issue. There is established regulation for civil servants, and no further explanation is offered; the vice president Susana Camarero also commented on the matter. No salary increases occurred, only an administrative action for high-ranking posts.
Question: Will any changes be made to the ministry team?
It was described as a moment to arrive and start working. The team’s work was praised as solid and committed to continuing. Each member arrived with experience, eagerness, and enthusiasm, and it was stated that they would keep moving forward together in the same direction.