The living spirit of Valencian municipalism took center stage on the L’Umbracle terrace, where more than 200 representatives gathered from the councils of Valencia city and the Marina Alta region. The gathering brought together mayors, leaders, and several officials who shared in a moment of regional collaboration. Similar to other major regional publications, Levante-EMV—part of Prensa Ibérica—could not participate in the invitation, yet the event was organized by Levante-EMV and sponsored by Facsa, underscoring how the Municipality Festival has evolved into a pivotal hub for the new local governments formed after the May 28 elections. It stands as a clear snapshot of the local governance landscape and its emerging alliances.
Under the direction of Silvia Tomás, Director of Corporate Affairs at Prensa Ibérica in Valencia, the event opened with a warm welcome from the head of the group, Javier Moll. Moll highlighted the ongoing efforts of Valencia’s city councils, urging additional resources and greater autonomy to address the core challenges facing the region. The remarks reinforced the commitment of Levante-EMV and the broader Prensa Ibérica network to hyperlocal journalism that informs and empowers communities. [Source: Prensa Ibérica]
As the program progressed, Vicente Mompó, who serves as the chief representative of the alliance of Valencian city councils, spoke about future governance from the perspective of the Valencia Provincial Council. He stressed the importance of empathy and the need to address the varied needs of all municipalities, while also valuing and preserving the region’s culture, traditions, and identifiers that bind communities together. This emphasis echoed a broader call for coordinated regional policy that honors local distinctiveness while pursuing shared goals. [Attribution: Valencian City Councils Coalition]
The session concluded with a closing address from the mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, who hosted the event in the city. She urged neighboring municipalities within Valencia’s metropolitan area to adopt a more cohesive metropolitan policy, describing Valencia as a unifying hub for the entire region. Catalá also took a moment to acknowledge the vital role of local journalism and the regional publications that inform and elevate public discourse. The mayor’s perspective affirmed the value of journalists in shaping accountable governance and transparent administration, noting that journalists have helped leaders grow in their roles. [Attribution: Valencia City Hall]