Valencian leadership scrutinized as petitions committee review expands on minors’ care cases
The Vice President of the Generalitat Valenciana and Minister for Equality and Inclusive Policy, Moreblamed, was cited today as the People’s Party aims to leverage the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee to test political momentum ahead of a busy election year. The party believes the current electoral cycle shows clear gaps and promising targets. Mas commented on the debate scheduled for Thursday and how it touches on the compliance and oversight of child and adolescent care within the Valencia region following a letter from the Popular Group raising questions about the protection and welfare standards in care facilities.
In Crevillentes, the Petitions Committee was described as a non-judicial space that the PP uses to broadcast messages during what they perceive as an election campaign. They also characterized a European delegation’s visit as populist. Mas criticized the approach as an attempt to influence electoral sentiment and reminded observers that the issue remains a matter for judicial review, with judges and prosecutors allowed to continue investigations when appropriate.
Europe weighs petitions over alleged abuses in a pederasty network and care conditions
The debate focused on whether investigations will proceed under the judge’s oversight or be framed by political messaging. Mas stressed that the priority is not political tactics but ensuring transparency about policies for minors in care. He noted that the Ministry of Equality and its forerunner has spent years strengthening protections for minors and maintaining openness about actions and outcomes. The goal is to present clear accountability through responsible reporting and oversight mechanisms that align with public expectations.
Historical context underscores that during the administration of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Directorate General for Children and Adolescents worked to place more than 3,900 young people in the care system or guardianship arrangements, spanning foster care and residential facilities. These figures highlight ongoing efforts to improve welfare conditions and the needs of youth under state supervision.
During this week’s discussions at the European Parliament’s Petitions Commission, attention centered on cases concerning alleged sexual exploitation of minors under Valencian guardianship and the living conditions within organizations under regional control. The session was convened at the invitation of a PP deputy spokesperson in the Valencian Parliament, with Elena Bastidas and lawyer Ana María Gil representing party interests. The commission, chaired by a popular MEP, Dolors Montserrat, will decide whether to accept the petitions for processing. If accepted, the Parliament will request information from national authorities and may initiate a preliminary inquiry with the European Commission, ensuring alignment with Union legislation and procedures.
The proceedings aim to determine the proper channels for investigation, the scope of facts to be reviewed, and the appropriate balance between procedural independence and timely action. Observers note that the outcome could shape both national and regional responses to child welfare oversight, prompting further scrutiny of care standards, reporting obligations, and the overall governance framework. The emphasis remains on safeguarding minors and ensuring that accountability mechanisms operate transparently and effectively across administrations and institutions involved in guardianship and care services.