Minister of Science and Universities Diana Morant stepped into a public debate about the Generalitat’s science policy this week, and a quick reply followed from the regional department of Tourism, Innovation, Trade and Industry, led by Nuria Montes. After the continuity of the former Gandia mayor in the cabinet was confirmed and he became the main institutional representative of PSPV in the central government, the two administrations began a lively exchange that underscored ongoing tensions over scientific funding and organizational structure.
On Tuesday Morant pressed the regional government to boost its share of science funding and lamented that the dedicated department for this area had effectively vanished. In response, yesterday officials from the Ministry of Forestry suggested that Morant’s absence at the Jaume I Awards should not be used to score political points, noting that the ceremony was held in Valencia while the socialist leader spoke with reporters in the Moncloa press room. This exchange highlights how national and regional rivals frame science policy in very different ways, even when both sides agree that science must be a priority. (Cita: Ministry of Forestry communications)
According to regional sources headed by Nuria Montes, Morant spoke about supporting science but did not attend the Valencia award ceremony that honors one of Spain’s most prestigious scientific achievements. That absence contrasts with Morant’s presence at the ceremonies in 2022 and 2021, when he served as Minister of Science and participated in the awards. (Cita: regional government briefings)
Careful about fit
The regional department’s reaction followed Morant’s criticisms of the autonomous government led by Carlos Mazón on Tuesday. Morant opened the legislative session with expanded powers, adding the Universities portfolio and portraying his stance as a determined safeguard for national science policy against the regional administration. He stressed that central government funds for science have increased and urged the autonomous communities to raise their own allocations for science. (Cita: official remarks captured in the press room)
Morant also stressed that compliance must come from all government levels. He asserted that not only the central government but every autonomous community must align with the Science Law to ensure robust investment and clear governance of research priorities. (Cita: Morant remarks on the law)
Yet his sharpest critique focused on what he called the “disappearance” of the Ministry of Science with the new structure of the Consell. Regional authorities, via the Ministry of Tourism, Innovation, Trade and Industry, which now oversees Innovation, Universities and Science, indicated they would not engage in a public back-and-forth about organizational choices. They argued that both Innovation and Science are adequately covered under the current framework and promised to respond through official channels if needed. (Cita: regional ministry notes)
This episode marks the first direct clash between Morant and the current regional director of the PP and Vox within the Valencian administration. It is notable for its tone and public visibility, illustrating that science policy remains a political arena where national and regional agendas collide. The exchange demonstrates that science policy is not insulated from political dynamics and that leadership decisions at the regional level can provoke responses from the central government. (Cita: analysis of the interaction)