The plenary session of the Cortes this Wednesday announced Gloria Calero, formerly the Government delegate, as the new regional senator representing the Valencian Community. The vote tally stood at 45 in favor, with 46 abstentions and two votes casting blank ballots. Calero accepted the appointment, saying she could not say no after receiving the official document.
Calero, affiliated with PSPV, stepped down from the role of delegate. Pilar Bernabé, Valencia’s socialist councilor, will assume the position, while Josefina Bueno, recently appointed Minister for Innovation and Universities, will vacate her Senate seat. The nomination also included Josep Tur, a former mayor of Vall d’Uixó in Castellón, to fill the vacancy created. In this arrangement, Alicante loses a direct voice in the Senate. Calero’s arrival coincides with the presence of three current socialist senators in the upper chamber, namely Ana Martínez, José Asensi, and Bueno herself. When it became apparent that Bueno would join the Government led by Puig, there were public discussions among the PSPV-PSOE about appointing a representative from Alicante, but those plans did not materialize. As a result, the state’s representation in the Senate shifts from six seats to five, with two held by the PP, Adela Pedrosa and Pablo Ruz, one unassigned, and two newly named socialists filling the vacancies.
Voting occurred by secret ballot, with Calero assisting on the hemicycle as required by law. Five lawmakers cast electronic votes, including Papi Robles, a member of Compromís’ board, and Aitana Mas, deputy spokesperson for the coalition and the new vice president of the Generalitat.
Calero, a nurse by profession, previously served as a councilor and mayor of Sagunto in Valencia and held a position as a federal executive member of the PSOE. Speaking to the media after the vote in Les Corts, she expressed honor and pride and thanked the party for consistently supporting her for roles of responsibility and for the experience she described as deeply meaningful.
Analysts expect the new phase to bring momentum after two years marked by challenging circumstances and unprecedented situations as delegates faced the pandemic and ongoing crises. Calero acknowledged the personal toll of those years, noting loneliness, nerves, uncertainty, and anxiety but also a strong sense of achievement and fulfillment that she intends to carry forward.
In her role as senator, Calero promised to defend the broader socialist project and to foster coordination with the Generalitat to ensure Valencian defense policy input is represented in the Upper House.
patience and common sense
Calero advised Bernabé to exercise great common sense and patience as the new delegate, while also expressing confidence in Bernabé’s long career in politics and her understanding of the responsibilities ahead.
This special Cortes plenary session to proclaim the senator took place just before a regular session and began with a minute of silence to honor the deaths at the Melilla border last Friday.
Source attribution: Cortes plenary proceedings and office announcements.