Consell’s chairman, Ximo Puig, ended today’s government crisis by formally announcing a reshaping of the Autonomous Government. The reshuffle touched four ministries previously held by the socialist bloc in Botany, with new faces stepping in and others shifting portfolios. Puig framed the move as a recovery phase focused on the economy, the welfare state, and the opportunity presented by European funds. The tone was optimistic, signaling that the Valencian Community would come back stronger from adversity. Alicante will see the departure of one of the two PSPV-PSOE councilors linked to the coalition, leaving Josefina Bueno as the new head of Innovation. At the same time, Ana Barceló steps in as the new trustee of the parliamentary group in the Cortes, strengthening the governing majority.
In his words, the goal is to accelerate reactivation and push forward a more dynamic and resilient Valencian Community. Puig and his team saw the reshuffle as a necessary political impulse for a moment of transformation, not merely a tactical electoral move ahead of the 2023 elections. For the first time, the regional leadership will be led by more women than men. The Generalitat stressed that the changes are about advancing a new phase with vigor, now that the pandemic has largely subsided and European funding is ramping up. Key priorities in this new period include boosting economic growth, generating jobs, drawing in major strategic projects, and steering the energy transition.
Ana Barceló becomes PSPV’s trustee and Josefina Bueno takes over the Ministry of Innovation
From the Saló de Corts del Palau, the president affirmed that the Generalitat is committed to economic growth and job creation to deploy a robust Valencian welfare framework. It also aims to attract leading strategic investments and drive transformation in energy, while promoting a future of wealth and prosperity. Puig described this path as a continuation of a seven-year effort grounded in stability and consensus that has attracted multinational companies and positioned the region as a hub for sustainable mobility and digital innovation. He highlighted the arrival of Volkswagen as a symbolic milestone in this ongoing transformation. The Valencian economy was described as solid, with historic highs in employment contributions and a sustained rhythm of new company formations and rising foreign investment over the past six years.
goodbye
Puig acknowledged the ministers stepping down with warmth, including Vicen Soler and Ana Barceló, while maintaining a measured tone about Carolina Pascual. He praised the important role of the Finance portfolio during Botànic’s seven-year tenure, noting the steady budgets approved and the drive to reform financing to expand opportunities for the community. Soler’s political future remains uncertain, with speculation about a Senate seat following the reshuffle. Regardless of the path, Puig expressed continued trust in the minister, while Soler would decide his own route.
Ximo Puig appoints Doctor Miguel Mínguez as Minister of Health
Barceló, who led health management through the pandemic and is transitioning back to the legislature, was positioned to guide parliamentary openness. Puig described Barceló as a capable interlocutor who can foster dialogue between the parliamentary group and the government, calling her a worthy, serious, meticulous, and open-minded professional who understands how to handle difficult situations. Regarding the leadership shift in innovation, Puig praised Carolina Pascual’s work over the past three years and emphasized the value of civil service capacity, while noting that leadership changes can be appropriate at strategic moments. The sentiment was that the change should be for the better, in line with the political moment.
Arcadi is head of the Spanish Ministry of Finance.
The president announced that Arcadi España, the current Minister for Regional Policy and a seasoned economist, will take charge of the Ministry of Finance and the Economic Model. He will succeed Vicen Soler, who accepted all budgets during his tenure. Puig recalled that Botànic’s governance has delivered seven years of growth in both the public and social sectors, with notable advances in regional financing proposals for the state.
In the new post-pandemic landscape, the Finance department is expected to drive the structural economic shift, support the utilization of European funds, and advance the modernization of Valencian productivity and materials.
Raquel Tamarit, Minister of Education
Raquel Tamarit, previously regional secretary of Culture, now leads the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. She faces the critical mission of expanding Valencian Vocational Education, extending free education from its earliest years, and accelerating classroom digitalization. The department’s track record includes upgrading hundreds of training centers, expanding the teaching workforce, and energizing the cultural sector through programs like Fes Cultura.
The administration highlighted these gains as part of a broader effort to raise the region’s educational and cultural profile while boosting regional identity and opportunity.
Health Minister Miguel Mínguez
Mínguez, the current head of service at the Clínico de Valencia and a key figure at Incliva, will now steer Universal and Public Health. His background includes long-standing service at the Hospital de La Vila. The focus under his leadership will include expanding the health workforce to about 20,000, strengthening public health, and advancing the regional health infrastructure. The department will pursue major reforms of Valencia Public Health and push forward modernization of citizen care through the Crcrirea Health Infrastructure Plan and related initiatives.
Rebeca Torró at the head of Regional Policy
Rebeca Torró, formerly regional secretary for Sustainable Economics, takes charge of Regional Policy, Public Works and Mobility. Puig highlighted her pivotal role in Volkswagen’s arrival and noted her work on transforming Parc Sagunto into a major investment platform. Her leadership is expected to push mobility reforms, improve public works, and drive sustainability in urban transport and logistics across major metropolitan areas.
Under Torró’s mandate, the ministry should maintain an active presence in the economy, increase public works, and position itself as a key driver of sustainability through expanded public transit and new logistics networks.
Innovation Minister Josefina Bueno
Josefina Bueno, a senator, University of Alicante professor, and researcher, will head the Ministry of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society. Puig described this portfolio as central to the new era of transformation, establishing an innovation arm to modernize companies, especially SMEs, align education with new work realities, and promote science under the Valencian law. Bueno’s appointment will reinforce Alicante as a leading hub of innovation within the Valencian Community and support higher education by expanding scholarships and reducing tuition by a notable margin.