The Valencian Parliament faced a defining clash at its year-end plenary, as Consell president Ximo Puig exchanged sharp exchanges with right-wing spokespeople. The control session unfolded amid protests, firm orders, and disqualification threats, driven not only by disagreements with Botànic’s strategic roadmap but also by an agenda that leaned heavily on national priorities. The proceedings highlighted how the Valencian right seeks to erode autonomous governance in the final stretch of the legislative period.
During the debates, quotes surfaced from PP trustee Maria Jose Catalá demanding that sentences for rebellion be softened, while others argued that hundreds of offenders were seeking re-evaluation of gender-based violence sentences. Puig defended the government’s stance as aligned with the agenda of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, emphasizing that addressing gender-based violence requires united action. He warned that violence begins with insults and degradation, and underscored the Consell’s commitment to strengthening and expanding the Valencia Pact against Gender Violence, now in its seventh year, to confront this serious form of societal harm.
One day before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, the PSPV, Compromís, Unides Podem, and PP joined forces to reject machismo and to condemn Vox’s attacks on Equality Minister Irene Montero in Congress.
Ximo Puig, as president of the Generalitat, condemned the perceived uncivil behavior from Vox and expressed full solidarity with Montero. Aitana Mas, the vice president and councilor for Equality, criticized the harassment directed at the minister, drawing a parallel to past harassment faced by Mónica Oltra. Illueca described what happened in the Lower House as a matter of machismo and fascism. Catalá also denounced the parliamentary aggression against Montero, noting that such conduct does not serve the public interest.
Botànic approves a tourism tax while PSPV and PP critique Puig for backing a controversial stance
In the session, Puig challenged C’s deputy Fernando Llopis for describing his actions as morally stained within the PSOE, and he recalled the memory of Ernest Lluch, the former minister murdered by ETA, noting the moment this week marks 22 years since that tragedy. Llopis clarified that his remarks referred to friends of the PSOE, not the party itself, but the tension remained palpable.
Socialists and Compromís assess renewable energy policy
Compromís used their parliamentary turn to reiterate its stance on renewable energy and to outline contrasts with the majority PSPV. The Valencian coalition intentionally directed its remarks to push a different line. Spokesperson Papi Robles pressed questions and, at times, answered Puig directly, describing the current position as surprising and disappointing for their side. The Valencia Energy Agency featured prominently in Robles’s discourse, with a measured but firm tone. He urged a shift toward renewable energy that serves public interest rather than the profits of large energy companies. He expressed determination to honor the agreement and to keep pushing for substantial change. Puig, on his part, suggested that a deal would emerge, but he framed it as a means to an end — the objective being to advance decarbonization by 2030. He warned that if the creation of the agency was not integrated into the accompanying Law, the government would bear responsibility. The president emphasized seeking a balance between environmental goals and economic realities to transform the regional energy model in the community.