Next Tuesday marks the start of the general policy debate in the Valencian Parliament, one of the most anticipated moments on the parliamentary calendar. The format will stay familiar, yet this year carries notable shifts. The rise of new profiles, the disappearance of several others, and a reshuffle in the government headed by Ximo Puig set the scene for what many describe as the most dramatic year in seven years of stable leadership. The arrival of a new vice president signals more than a simple lineup change: it anticipates a reallocation of four ministerial slots and a recalibration of another member’s powers. An upheaval within the chamber is visible as six women now hold frontline positions, with two serving as trustees in a single session. Everything unfolds within a pre‑electoral climate that magnifies every word and move, inviting constant scrutiny and interpretation.
Consell’s president steps into the general policy debate as a leading figure, having not held the same position at the Generalitat for the preceding three months. Mónica Oltra, compelled to resign after a case involving alleged cover‑ups in sexual abuse was brought under investigation, vacated her seat in the blue group and left her office at the Palacio de Valeriola. The historic building witnessed the transfer of powers to Valencian leadership, with a new minister for Equality and Inclusive Policies taking the helm and acting as spokesperson for the new vice president, Consell. The rapprochement with Puig in the first quarter of the term is acknowledged by both sides as a sign of collaboration within the administration.
Oltra’s departure and Mas’s decline were not the sole changes within Compromís. Earlier this year, Fran Ferries stepped down from his trustee role to join a private enterprise. Four months later, Vincent Marza, the Education Minister and a high‑profile figure within the coalition, announced an unexpected resignation from government powers while remaining a member of parliament in a diminished role. Shortly after, he joined the board of trustees, signaling a new direction for his future influence and potential contributions to the government line. The reshuffle theme continued as Raquel Tamarit took over the Education portfolio to fill Marzà’s seat.
Marzà’s stance effectively opened the door to a broader executive overhaul, accelerating events and resulting in a sweeping realignment that touched four of the five ministers from the PSPV quota within Consell. Arcadi España steps into the role of Minister of Finance and Economic Model, succeeding Vicent Soler who left the regional government. España formerly led Regional Policy, Public Works and Mobility until May and has since been succeeded by Rebeca Torró, a newcomer to the executive. The Tuesday gathering will also feature Alicante‑born Josefina Bueno in the position of Minister of Innovation, after replacing Carolina Pascual.
In addition, Miguel Miguez becomes the new head of Universal Health and Public Health, taking over from Ana Barceló and participating in the debate as the minister. The cabinet member who had been managing the epidemic moved into a trustee role for the socialists in the Valencian Courts after stepping aside from his previous responsibilities. The change marks a broader transition in leadership as the council navigates ongoing health and policy challenges.
Speaker and candidate
Barceló participates in the debate as a trustee for the first time, although her involvement with the council goes back some time. Following a bid in the socialist primaries to become mayor of Alicante, her role in the parliamentary session is poised to command attention. Barceló enters the debate as a trustee for the first time while her longstanding affiliation is widely recognized across the chamber.
For the People’s Party, the parliamentary spokesperson María José Catalá faces the general policy debate as the second major moment for Carlos Mazón since taking the helm. He succeeded Isabel Bonig, who stepped aside amid internal party discussions, to allow Mazón to lead. The recent weeks have seen Catalá push Valencia as the headquarters for a national AI oversight agency, while Mazón endorsed Alicante for strategic reasons, focusing attention on the local government leadership in the popular Valencians. The evolving positions have sharpened the focus on local governance and strategic direction.
Ruth Merino leads Ciudadanos, steering a party in the process of reconfiguration within the Alicante province, where calls for leadership changes intensify. United Left will continue to guide the legislative agenda, while Ana Vox gears up to lead the far right in this session. The chamber is navigating a period of strategic realignment, with each party staking its claims and preparing for the political contours of the near future. This debate thus becomes not only a policy frame but a stage for defining which forces will steer regional priorities in the months ahead. [citation: Valencian Parliament]