In her second address to the general policy debate, the Ciudadanos spokesperson Ruth Merino emphasized a push for bipartisanship to secure meaningful regional agreements on health and youth. The Liberal representative pointed to what he called excessive bureaucracy dragging the Generalitat and proposed curbing the number of ministries through statutory reform. Merino suggested demoting the Ministry of Housing to a general directorate, mirroring a move recently adopted by the People’s Party. He also criticized the Consell for its “vigilance” in presenting claims for the Valencian Community, spotlighting issues such as the defense of the Tajo-Segura transfer and regional financing reform.
This moment unfolded after the event’s trustee from Cs had to be hospitalized for an eye condition linked to high blood pressure. He began his remarks with a round of applause from the entire hall as he entered the debate. He asserted that the moment called for great cross-party agreements and extended a hand to the Generalitat chairman Ximo Puig. The speaker added that Valencian Community sentiment was mixed, noting that negatives dominated the conversation while positives tended to appear later in the discourse.
What are the announced measures affecting all Valencians?
In health matters, Merino recalled warnings raised by Síndic de Greuges that have echoed into the current debate, highlighting the ongoing concern over waiting lists. Referring to Puig’s frequent morning announcements, he described them as self-promotion and propaganda when the path forward remains unclear. He also pointed out a pre-election atmosphere that has intensified, with president’s announcements rising by about thirty percent compared with the previous year. Advertising campaigns and the defense of Tajo-Segura and demands for financing reform were identified as particularly prominent issues. He warned that the proposals were arriving late and that lukewarm support from Madrid would not secure water or funds.
On education, Merino noted that schools and institutes have faced ongoing strain, framing it as a half-cycle of disruption. He referred to Puig’s pledge to end the disruptions surrounding these facilities and suggested that the broader strategy for education needed clearer direction. A recurring theme throughout the session was the impact of forest fires in the Valencian Community this summer. In response, the speaker urged consolidating prevention and firefighting leadership under a single ministry to streamline decision making. He also criticized the Valencian territory for what he described as a pattern of more spending, saying that despite having access to European funds, higher taxes, more advisors, and greater debt, there is less renewable energy, reduced efficiency, and less freedom. Finally, he lamented the financial pressure on the Generalitat, noting that the regional budget had risen by nearly sixty percent since the Botànic alliance took office in 2015.
Marking a broader call for fiscal and administrative reform, the debate underscored the need to balance regional autonomy with effective governance. The discussion highlighted how policy direction can influence public perception, especially during an election cycle where priorities shift rapidly among national and regional actors. Analysts observe that the Valencian political stage mirrors wider tensions in Spain around regional funding, water resources, and the proper division of administrative responsibilities. The emphasis on reforming ministries and rethinking how funds are allocated reflects a trend toward simplifying governance structures to improve accountability, speed, and service delivery for residents across the Valencian Community.
Overall, the speakers framed their remarks as a plea for cooperation while outlining concrete steps they would take if given broader support. They stressed the importance of practical policies that residents can feel in health care waiting times, in education continuity, and in an effective disaster response system. The discourse also recognized the heavy economic and political context, including debates over funding mechanisms and regional strategies for sustainable growth. The tone suggested a readiness to negotiate but with clear lines drawn on core priorities and the urgency of translating promises into measurable action for all Valencians.
— Attribution: This article summarizes a session focused on regional governance and policy proposals, reflecting ongoing public discourse in the Valencian Community.