An agreement was reached in Las Corts to renew and launch the second edition of the Valencian convention against gender and sexist violence. The reality behind it is consensus, not unanimous support, because Vox withdrew from signed negotiations, leaving PSPV, PP and Compromís to craft a common text. Consell members expressed their reservations about sexist violence, while Vox declared it would not back an agreement with what it called empty content, and the PSOE, PP and Compromís factions pushed for a united approach.
The motion, signed by three of the four groups in the autonomous parliament, calls for ratification of the Valencia Pact and the expansion of the 2017 agreement. It states that the pact results from a collaboration among Valencian administrations, social organizations, women’s groups, political parties, and civil society actors, and it affirms that adequate resources exist for its implementation. The document notes that the work carried out since September 18, 2022, when the first agreement expired, has been taken into account and that the two meetings held since then have shaped this second agreement.
It is a pragmatic step, and the Socialists express relief that the PP has joined the commitment to renew the pact. Without the PP, some feared the deal could unravel. The Popular Party then offered a few adjustments to the Socialist proposal, including a commitment to sign the new agreement before 2023, a timeline referenced by the party leaders, though the path has faced skepticism.
Slogan and banner war
Even after the announcement of the agreement, public statements on the platform did not always align with the facts. Veronika Marcos, a PP member of parliament, criticized the Left for engaging in a slogan and banner campaign. She accused them of trying to divide the coalition and of putting on a performance for the cameras, insisting that only the Yes means Yes law and the closing of sexist violence courts are what matter.
Some observers hope this moment becomes a turning point that ends the political theatrics around gender violence, noting that the Consell remains firmly committed to fighting sexist violence. The PP framed its stance as responsible and consistent with its long-standing position, emphasizing the party’s presence and responsibility in the process.
Rosa Peris, a socialist MP, appeared surprised by the distance that previously existed from a final settlement. She called for a social framework grounded in accountability, arguing that real progress took place when political agreements like the Valencia Pact were signed, and when all parties walked the same path toward improving people’s lives. The door to ongoing dialogue remained open, but she warned against letting political battles derail essential protections for women.
The discussion also touched on financial commitments. Peris did not rule out vigorous debate and criticized the Popular Party for insufficient funding for the State Pact on gender violence in 2017, as well as past positions on the gender-based violence law. She also noted the contentious use of the term domestic violence in coalition discussions with Vox, urging a careful, accurate approach to the issue.
Reconciliation and solidarity
The most heated exchanges occurred with Vox. Peris labeled some Vox members as deniers of the problem, a charge that drew a sharp response. Miriam Turiel defended the Valencia agreement, calling it a failure because complaints about sexual violence have continued to rise. She warned that voting against an ostensibly empty deal would not address the underlying data that show growing violence and increasing trust in institutions that some would like to dismantle.
Vero Ruiz from Compromís supported the motion, proposing changes aimed at preserving party unity and institutional cohesion. She emphasized that women should not bear the burden of political disagreements and affirmed the universal right to life while urging solidarity across political forces to protect the most vulnerable.