Legislative activities in the final term of Valencia’s regional assembly marked a historic moment for gender representation and political leadership. Women assumed pivotal roles as trustees across all six groups represented in the Cortes, a notable shift that occurred before the Citizens spokesperson Ruth Merino announced her resignation on Thursday. The landscape for upcoming elections in May, however, looks different: the top slate of candidates from the major parties remains predominantly male, featuring Ximo Puig (PSPV-PSOE), Carlos Mazón (PP), Joan Baldoví (Compromís), Héctor Illueca (Unides Podem) and Carlos Flores Juberías (Vox).
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In this final stretch, the six spokespersons in the Cortes were all women at a critical moment of transition. Among them, Vox’s Ana Vega stands out as the only current trustee who began the cycle in that female capacity. Three women have had to adapt to new roles: Ana Barceló took over from Manolo Mata in the PSPV; Papi Robles stepped in for Fran Ferri at Compromís; and Ruth Merino replaced Toni Cantó in Citizens, ultimately departing the chamber. In the PP and Unides Podem camps, María José Catalá and Pilar Lima succeeded Isabel Bonig and Naiara Davó, respectively.
Still, the history being written here is not a guarantee for future leadership. For candidates eyeing the presidency of the Generalitat, the path remains uncertain as the political map evolves. Within the PSPV, the Socialists intend to rally behind Ximo Puig to steer the next Botànic coalition. Achieving this will require a narrowly won election, a result that would shape the strategies of partner parties and their own electoral protection. Barceló’s prospects are tied to Alicante, where she has built a profile as the province’s capital’s mayor and former Health Minister.
The bleeding continues in cs: Merino announces his resignation from politics and Mazón opens the doors of PP.
Puig’s principal challenger is Carlos Mazón, the Alicante leader aiming to shift the balance of power back to the PP after eight years of left-leaning governance in the Valencian Community. Supported by the national party leadership, Mazón has outlined a platform that emphasizes practical concerns like water management, taxation, and public health, casting these issues as the core responsibilities of governance. He will succeed Bonig as the popular candidate, while PP trustee María José Catalá could follow Barceló’s path if Valencia earns a new term under her leadership as mayor.
In Compromís, a gender swap also marks the candidacy strategy for the Generalitat. The coalition faced a departure from Mónica Oltra amid ongoing judicial questions related to her former spouse’s case, which opened space for a new nominee to front the list. Joan Baldoví is anticipated to focus on regional politics after serving in the national assembly, while Crevillent native Aitana Mas had been considered for a lead role but ultimately redirected to secure a landmark position on the Alicante list.
Appointments
The Unides Podem slate will feature Héctor Illueca, the current second vice president of the Generalitat, continuing in a leadership role. Up to the final countdown, Pilar Lima was well placed to lead the purple group, though she was also serving as Housing Minister. For Esquerra Unida, Rosa Pérez Garijo reaffirmed her leadership after the party’s internal primary process.
Vox presents the most polarizing case since the 2002 voting controversy surrounding its candidate Carlos Flores Juberías, which was revisited during the last year. The issue drew sharp condemnation across most Cortes factions, even as the far-right defended its stance. Flores Juberías triumphed over Ana Vega in the Alicante district, reflecting the ongoing tensions and complex dynamics that accompany political transitions in the region.