The Valencian Presidency and the Department of Innovation and Universities form a governance duo that Catalyzes regional development. Ximo Puig, the chairman and re-election candidate for Consell, suggests that if the third Botànic administration is reissued, a Presidential Ministry would be established in Alicante with a focus on Tourism. He frames this as part of a two-capital strategy designed to pull the entire Valencian Community closer together through a more decentralized administration. Puig argues this approach represents progress never before seen in Valencian self-government, stressing that the shift would involve more than just the Innovation and Universities department alone. He also points to the Regional Protection Agency in Elche and IVAM’s satellite presence in Alcoy as evidence that decentralization already exists in practice and can be extended.
“It’s a way to unite and strengthen self-government”, Puig states, adding that self-government is a fundamental tool for improving citizens’ lives. He cites Volkswagen as a benchmark example of how decentralized governance can empower regional ecosystems to innovate and prosper.
Puig is clear that he does not intend to remain in a single position indefinitely. Should he secure a new term as president of the Generalitat, he envisions relocating the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works to Castellón, signaling a broader geographic dispersion of high-level administration across the region.
The decentralization blueprint goes beyond culture into civic infrastructure, including plans for a Valencian photography museum and the launch of a Silver Age Museum in Alicante. He describes a modern museum as a space to claim new frontiers, stating that Valencian cultural history should be leveraged to shape the future rather than merely preserve the past.
Headquarters of the Ministry of Innovation in Ciudad de la Luz
This plan would position key activities in Alicante and advocate for the Iberian section of the Elche Archaeological Museum. Puig emphasizes that the goal is not to fragment museum programming, but to keep the museum unit intact while expanding its presence in Elche. The overarching aim is decentralization across Spain, ensuring that regions outside Madrid have a meaningful share of cultural and institutional life. Puig argues that Spain should feel present in every region and questions why all major operations need to be centralized in Madrid.