PSPV accelerates legislative changes to push the Valencian Community toward eradicating prostitution
PSPV plans to accelerate a legislative agenda that would position the Valencian Community as the first autonomous region with a clear commitment to ending prostitution. The Valencian socialists aim to submit proposals to the Consell that would regulate brothels and impose fines on those who seek paid sex on roads, using punitive measures against pimps and clients. According to sources within the Generalitat, the proposed scope would extend beyond regional roads to include those under the responsibility of the Diputación de Alicante. Yet, opinions within Botànic are deeply divided, and for now Valencians and other coalition partners oppose the proposals urged by the Minister of Justice, Home Affairs and Public Administration, Gabriela Bravo.
If the Valencian Government begins its term with a pledge to unify the coalition to address the August wildfire disasters, tensions over the ideological agenda may soon surface. PSPV, Compromís, and Unides Podem each enter the final phase before the 2023 electoral process, with prostitution and its management anticipated as a major point of contention in the political discourse that follows the summer break.
Oltra challenges Bravo’s anti-slavery plan to sanction brothels, arguing the model lacks authority and effectiveness
Bravo’s proposal to amend aspects of the Valencia Community Road Act of 1991 would allow fines of up to 15,000 euros for clients who seek paid sex on roads under regional jurisdiction, a stance also supported by the socialist quota in Consell. The plan places the responsibility on the Head of Regional Policy, Rebecca Torro, to secure support for the measure. Teams from the relevant ministries have already held meetings to explore potential implementation. The core principle in the initial proposal is clear: women cannot be punished as victims of sexual exploitation or prostitution in any circumstance.
From Department of Regional Policy sources, the total prohibition would affect 1,888 kilometers of roads in Alicante province, with 958 kilometers on regional roads and an additional 930 kilometers under the provincial agency led by Carlos Mazón. Officials note that the road regulations in force since 1991 govern the entire regional road network, including non-state routes transiting the autonomous region. The proposed normative change would also impact local administrations such as the County Council, shaping how they address prostitution-related enforcement within their jurisdictions.
Municipalities encouraged by the Generalitat to fine those who request paid sex, up to 3,000 euros
Whether the Valencian socialists win support from the broader Socialist party remains to be seen. The region has already declared itself abolitionist, with the initial steps in this direction taken through proposals to amend related laws that aim to sanction brothels operating on Valencian soil. The administration has stressed that the measures are meant to address exploitation without punishing women who are victims, a delicate balance that has sparked debate among various departments and political actors inside and outside the government. The Equality and Inclusive Policies department, along with its leadership, has raised concerns about powers assumed by the regional government and has warned that punitive approaches may push prostitutes into hiding rather than reduce harm. Despite these concerns, the socialists plan to present their proposal to Consel before the current term ends, keeping the issue alive in the political arena and the public conversation.
In this climate, the broader regional strategy continues to unfold as different factions discuss the best path forward. The focus is on how to tackle prostitution with practical enforcement while safeguarding the rights and safety of those involved. The dialogue persists across ministries, drawing attention to the complexities of governance, social policy, and the impact on communities across the Valencian Community. This ongoing debate will likely shape regional policy and electoral messaging in the period leading up to the next municipal and regional decisions, with authorities aiming to balance public safety, women’s rights, and social welfare as the central considerations, all while navigating the political currents within the Botànic alliance and the wider national landscape of Spain. (Attribution: Generalitat sources and departmental briefings indicate the framework and debates surrounding the proposals.)