The renewed debate over a Valencian language requirement for medical staff has drawn international attention. Aitana Mas, the vice president of the Generalitat, acknowledged gaps in how the policy has been implemented after the plenary session of the Consell. She noted concerns raised in recent days by several councilors, including Gabriela Bravo and Miguel Mínguez. The central question remains how the Valencian Community might rewrite or update its framework after the next regional elections, with the issue likely to linger for a future Botànic administration.
At a press conference, Mas argued that requiring language skills would bolster safety for health professionals by expanding the range of permanent positions that can demand competency in Valencian in healthcare. She also called for quicker recognition of professional qualifications from third countries. Even as she admitted room for improvement, Mas underscored Botànic’s commitment to high standards of health care in the Valencian Community. She urged Consell members to discuss and reach consensus on the language requirement.
Bravo and Minguez
Before Mas spoke publicly about regional disagreements, other ministers had already signaled sharp divides in their statements. Gabriela Bravo, Minister of Justice and Public Administration, stated that there are no plans for health sector language requirements and that the issue had not been discussed when the agreement between her department and the Education department was finalized in November.
Miguel Mínguez, head of health, also weighed in. He noted that the draft set of principles for consolidating public health positions includes Valencian proficiency as a basic requirement to practice in the Community. He added that a draft had been analyzed and would likely undergo modifications.
Mazón: “It is outrageous to impose language requirements in healthcare”
Mas also faced questions about other ongoing concerns during his appearance. The Consell spokesperson defended the regional administration amid recent scrutiny. He was asked about unemployment benefits received by former vice president Mónica Oltra, despite her resignation at the end of June. The Crevillentina representative responded that the Council acted within the law.
Earlier this week, Valencia Courts Saint Vicente Fernández filed a complaint against Oltra and Generalitat chairman Ximo Puig for possible charges of lying and embezzlement related to unemployment benefits received after resignation. The complaint was submitted to the Valencia TSJ, given Puig’s official role.
Bird
A later topic Mas addressed involved the controversy sparked by statements from Fernando López Heritage, president of the Region of Murcia, who advocated eliminating AVE stops in Elche and Orihuela. The high-speed rail link between Murcia and Madrid is notably faster, and the Valencian vice president criticized the stance, arguing that these stops connect residents and help maintain regional cohesion. She condemned the claim that Vega Baja and Elche should be denied a stop, emphasizing that infrastructure should connect all communities, not privilege certain areas. The Consell spokesperson labeled the matter serious and controversial, stressing that allowing stops for some cities while denying others would be unfair. The region should not settle for a two-tier approach, he added, and the goal should be to connect the population rather than create second-class citizens. He urged the Partido Popular to reconsider its position and to recognize the broader benefits of improved rail service across the area.
Sánchez and Feijóo’s “courage” to tackle regional financing
The visit of national leaders Pedro Sánchez and Alberto Núñez Feijóo to Valencia over the weekend did not escape scrutiny from Aitana Mas. A Consell spokesperson urged them to address urgent national issues and to close funding gaps facing the Valencian Community, which remains at the center of calls for greater state support. Mas highlighted the need for fair resources and reminded listeners of the proximity to elections and their impact on decision making.
In addressing Sánchez and Feijóo, Mas urged them to acknowledge that insufficient funding is a daily reality for Valencian society. She stressed that the Consell seeks a clear plan and a concrete draft to be discussed openly at the national level. Mas emphasized that Valencian concerns must stay prominent on the national agenda and that the region would persist in pursuing a fair financial framework to support its communities.
Despite ongoing debate about national politics, Mas affirmed that Valencian issues should stay central because they touch many families. She called for reforms that could alter the system and address long-standing challenges faced by the Community of Valencia.
Beyond governance, Mas reaffirmed the value of ongoing dialogue about health policy, language, and regional financing. The broader aim remains to strengthen public health services, ensure fair treatment for all residents, and secure the resources needed to sustain local development across Valencia and neighboring areas.