The deal between PSOE and Junts over Pedro Sánchez’s appointment triggered a wave of reaction across the business world. Economic decisions also sparked friction with organizations such as the CEV employers’ association and the Alicante Family Business Association (AEFA). They argued that measures should not only target Catalonia and that Valencian Community financing should receive preferential treatment. In politics, the agreement terms reinforced the positions of the involved parties. While the PP and Vox claimed the amnesty undermined the constitutional framework, PSPV and Compromís, aligned with the unions, praised what they saw as a restoration of a progressive government that would benefit society.
The Thursday announcement of the PSOE-Junts agreement sent shockwaves through the Valencian Community due to its potential local impact. Among the most notable responses were those from business leaders who warned that taxes could be moved to Catalonia and that a plan to entice firms to return home was underway. CEV president Salvador Navarro pointed out that Valencia-based CaixaBank and Alicante’s Sabadell leave not because incentives are lacking but due to the deteriorating business climate. He added that any return would depend on the companies themselves, while calling for a model in which Valencian financing would receive fair treatment.
These sentiments echoed the positions of Joaquín Pérez, president of CEV Alicante, who urged equal treatment for all regions and criticized special preferential models for Catalonia that would disadvantage the Valencian Community and Alicante province due to financing gaps.
Maite Antón, president of Aefa, voiced similar concerns and described the agreement as a source of deep disappointment, characterizing the situation as one of coercive pressure.
From the political side, PP Generalitat president Carlos Mazón questioned the moral legitimacy of the government formed from the agreement with Junts, suggesting that the actual actions diverged from what had been promised, particularly regarding the amnesty.
Mazón stated that the Valencian Community would lead the defense of constitutional values after the PSOE-Junts pact
Vox rejected the deal outright. Ana Vega, a Valencian Cortes trustee, called it a “Pact of Shame” and warned that it opened the door to a potential referendum on independence.
Left-leaning groups did not concur with the alignment. PSPV leader Ximo Puig highlighted the legislative accord and argued that it signaled a return to democratic accountability, noting that the Valencian agenda had been included within the government’s agreement with Sumar.
Àgueda Micó, national representative for Compromís, welcomed the agreement, saying it would enable reform of the financial framework, improve the Valencian railway network, and potentially reduce working hours among other benefits.
Regarding the unions, Paco García, general secretary of CC OO at l’Alacantí-Les Marines, viewed the pact as a vehicle for progress within the federal system. Yolanda Díaz, the UGT leader, also believed that agreements with Junts could extend to the Valencian Community.
new concentration
The second gathering in front of Alicante’s local socialist headquarters drew a smaller crowd. General Mancha Square again became the scene of anti-amnesty protests after the PSOE-Junts agreement. While protesters renewed calls against Sánchez, they also sent messages of support to former PP leader and Vox co-founder Alejo Vidal-Quadras, who had been injured in Madrid. Vox council members in Alicante were joined by colleagues from other municipalities in the province.