Spain is in the midst of a political reset, and the Inter-Municipal gathering underscored a deliberate shift in tone and strategy. The remark from Feijóo about Spain transcending past divisions set a backdrop for a weekend that the People’s Party used to reinforce its message. The discussion around Rita Barberá’s political legacy appeared as an unresolved chapter, revived by María José Catalá, who, in her role as general secretary of the PPCV, framed the debate in terms of the history, sentiments, and leadership of Valencian female mayors. The aim was to anchor the narrative in a sense of continuity while signaling a fresh path forward. The community school that had shaped the city’s education profile was referenced again, reinforcing the identity of a leader who could be seen as the “mayor of Spain.”
Another major thread was the public desire for a renewed era of unity. Alongside celebratory clips featuring Catalá, Mazón, and Feijóo, the weekend carried a visual script: two former presidents captured in photos, with the absence of Ciudadanos or Vox in the frame sending a subtle, selective message. The invitation to former allies to return and the prompt for others to take pride in a national project highlighted the centrality of “reconnecting the bases” to maintain quorum and steady leadership amid political storms. The discussions around improving infrastructure and road networks were framed as essential to sustaining momentum and ensuring governance at the regional level.
Valencia and Genoa were named as symbolic locales for a broader revival, with the aim of turning the City of Light into a renewed emblem of progress. The objective was not merely political theater but a practical effort to stabilize the executive in Madrid and the regional government in Valencia, clearing space for measured change over the medium term. Responsibility for energizing this shift rested partly with Catalá and her allies, with other influence distributed to the leadership from Alicante. The night belonged to a careful balancing act between past achievements and future ambitions.
Feijóo led with a tactical cadence, the way a coach addresses a critical game, drawing energy from the crowd even as thousands of supporters gathered near the Valencia arena. Flags waved, banners rose, and a sense of momentum carried through the corridors of the event. The spectacle echoed memories of earlier political epochs, reminding attendees of long-standing alliances and victories, including those of the mid-1990s and early 2010s. The atmosphere combined allegiance with a belief in the possibility of fresh outcomes, rallying people behind a common vision for the region.
Carlos Mazón delivered a focal speech that mixed assurance with strategic signaling. His rhetoric moved the audience, acknowledging the mayoral network across hundreds of municipalities and signaling camaraderie with a broad circle of local leaders. The crowd’s applause resonated most loudly for Rita Barberá, whose contributions to the capital of Túria were acknowledged with renewed vigor. The early journey from Alicante to participate in the gathering helped build a narrative of unity and readiness to act, a collective push toward decisive moves in upcoming political arenas. The scene suggested a market-like surge of support, a readiness to translate weekend momentum into long-term action and electoral leverage. The prospect of Mazón pursuing the Generalitat Valenciana while leveraging past successes opened doors to multiple possible futures, including governance recalibrations and landmark policy shifts that would ripple across the region. The panel also reflected on the historical impact of mentors and predecessors such as Eduardo Zaplana and Francisco Camps, prompting a reflection on how past leadership has shaped today’s Valencian capital.
The notion of governance as a living project was echoed when the term Frankenstein government surfaced in conversations about coalition dynamics. The left-leaning coalition, including Compromís and Unides Podem, was portrayed as a reminder of how fragile majorities can be when diverse interests collide. Yet the central focus remained on a pragmatic economic program led by Ruth Merino and the broader team, whose plan sought to align regional budgets with growth targets. Mazón’s leadership at the Alicante State Assembly paired with the involvement of Ciudadanos and the presence of Alicante’s mayor, Luis Barcala, highlighted the delicate balance of partnerships and the risks that can accompany investment decisions when coalition members have divergent priorities.
On focus here was the pressing need to support the Valencian Community through linguistic and cultural considerations, acknowledging the emotional dimension of regional governance. During a national address that touched on broader social lines, the PP leadership urged victories in more than 8,000 municipalities, emphasizing tangible gains for voters. The demand for reliable water supply and sustainable financing surfaced as practical issues that could translate into credible policy outcomes. The overall message aimed to project responsible governance with concrete benefits for residents, rather than political theater alone.
Looking ahead, the intermunicipal framework could mark a new phase for regional politics, with María José Catalá positioned as a central figure in shaping the narrative, and Rita Barberá’s legacy serving as a touchstone rather than a singular focal point. Although the weekend recalled historic victories and celebrated personal leadership, it also pointed to the ongoing need for strategic clarity, continuity, and the ability to respond to the evolving needs of Valencia and its surrounding areas. A candid recollection by Zaplana about the guidance given to the candidate to assume a pivotal role in Palau reinforced a shared sense of purpose: Valencia deserves leadership that remembers its past while actively building its future.