A strategic move aligns with the current legislature: the presidency of the Generalitat has been waiting for a moment to set the tone. The regional president, Ximo Puig, is steering toward an electoral phase ahead of regional and municipal elections in the Community of Valencia. After signing the decree dissolving the Cortes in the tenth legislature, the Consell’s leadership and the autonomous government signaled the start of a preliminary campaign, just under two months before the appointment, arguing that social and economic indicators justify the administration’s course.
In the latest gathering, Puig faced the public without his usual coalition partner Compromís, which resisted the electoral push. A family photo with the twelve Council members captured the sense of a government ready to move forward. The year 2023 marks a return to regional elections in sync with the broader calendar after the 2019 elections were aligned with general elections that year.
The decree, issued at an extraordinary plenary session, confirms that 99 deputies will be elected for the Cortes, with 35 seats allocated to the Alicante constituency. The campaign will span fifteen days, beginning on 12 May and concluding on 26 May. The eleventh legislature will convene on 26 June at Palau dels Borja in Valencia, a day noted for its symbolic connection to historic moments in regional and European history. Puig frames the calendar as a milestone for governance and representation.
Ximo Puig presents the Valencia Community’s progress in recent years
Puig described the legislature as an exceptional period for self-government, highlighting achievements amidst substantial challenges. He emphasized job creation and social cohesion, presenting a map of new opportunities as a central pillar of his message. He recalled the difficult years last seen in Vega Baja, the impact of the coronavirus, and the damage caused by storms along the coast. The current year has brought energy market volatility and inflation, driven in part by external pressures from the global economy.
Reflecting on eight years of governance, Puig said progress has been made in areas of dysfunction and that the community refuses to retreat. He thanked Consell members for their work and honored the memory of Valencians lost to the pandemic, underscoring how European events have shaped local economic realities.
Despite significant obstacles, the economic and social indicators presented a favorable trend, signaling improved conditions, structural stability, and a willingness to negotiate and seek solutions. The emphasis remained on practical outcomes rather than slogans, with a focus on building a more resilient region.
The economic dimension weighed heavily in the president’s remarks. He pointed to more than two million Valencians employed today, a gain of about 400,000 jobs over eight years, a substantial rise in indefinite contracts, and wage improvements for thousands of workers. He also noted that the European Union recognized Valencia as a leader in regional competitiveness and innovation, a testament to the area’s progress beyond the national average. These statements are likely to shape the PSPV-PSOE campaign as a showcase of governance and results over the past eight years.
Other notable achievements
Puig highlighted fiscal reforms, the arrival of major investments, and enhancements in education and health personnel. He spoke of a climate of continuous agreements and social dialogue that contrasts with regional tensions elsewhere, the passage of thirty laws, and the allocation of 3.6 billion euros from European funds to drive development and combat corruption. While emphasizing successes, he also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the need for fair regional financing and the long-standing federalist vision for a stronger role for the Community within Spain.
Water issues in Alicante were addressed candidly. Puig underscored the demand for reliable water supplies and constructive dialogue, arguing that confrontations only generate friction. He called for investments to be allocated by the State to balance the needs of the three provinces and to secure a sustainable water future. Despite these concerns, he asserted that most economic and social indicators have improved since 2015 and that progress continues to accumulate.
Budgets and social policy
Public finances were described as stable, with timely budget approvals and strong performance in foreign investment. Social protections were framed as a defining feature, contributing to the region’s relative resilience since the pandemic. The administration highlighted measures for households, workers, and families, such as targeted subsidies and housing support aimed at easing the cost of living and stabilizing the welfare state.
Education and health received particular attention. The region added thousands of teachers, completed infrastructure improvements, and pursued school reforms that broaden access to learning resources. Health sector advancements were highlighted, including a strengthened workforce and expanded universal services. The overall assessment framed this period as a time of stabilization, pragmatic deals, and prioritized solutions.
Puig concluded by inviting citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, framing the moment as a culmination of effort and responsibility that will shape Valencia’s future direction.