The opening control session at Consell focused on water and corruption, with the Autonomous Parliament’s political factions adopting a pre-election tone. The Generalitat president, Ximo Puig, could not pull the administration from the background, and the Tagus basin plan dominated much of the executive’s remarks and actions.
Confronted by intense criticism from the PP, Puig asserted resolve through three announcements: securing desalinated water for irrigation, proposing the creation of a dedicated infrastructure commission for the Tagus basin, and including irrigators in the governing body to monitor project development. He also stated that the Generalitat Advocacy would review potential harm to the Community, and that an appeal would be filed if necessary.
Puig responds to transfer criticism with the help of desalinated water
Puig’s defense of the government’s stance came after a volley of accusations from María José Catalá, the PPCV spokesperson, who labeled Puig as “weak and submissive.” In remarks tied to recent events, Catalá predicted that the PSOE would push for litigation on behalf of irrigators, while the PP anticipated court action—an assertion echoed by Alicante’s regional leadership, Carlos Mazón. [citation: Valencian Parliament records]
Ciudadanos’ new representative also pressed for a firmer stance, pledging to back court action and recalling how the region had previously leveraged investments from the Spanish Government for water projects, a pattern now mirrored by water-related decisions.
Between weakness and mud
Ximo Puig recalled 40 court cases filed by Botànic to defend irrigators and Alicante’s interests. He framed the path ahead as clear: secure water with minimal friction with other regions. “Wars create mud,” he warned. “The transfer is not transferable. Madrid must provide purification, even if funded through the general budget.”
The government’s position faced sharp criticism from María José Catalá, who accused Puig of weakness. She observed that the PSOE’s actions were the largest strike against irrigators, predicting further lawsuits by the PP and ceremonial resistance from the public. Alicante’s State Council, led by Carlos Mazón, signaled support for a tough stance. [citation: Valencian Parliament records]
In a related critique, Ciudadanos’ spokesperson questioned Puig’s leadership, urging a stronger frontline on water issues and vowing to support legal steps. The conversational tone referenced how political momentum had previously unlocked government investments for Alicante, suggesting a similar dynamic at play with water.
“Are you the boss?”
The PP representative pressed Puig to declare whether he was the “boss” of the Azud case. Puig replied by prompting scrutiny of who faces judicial challenges on a daily basis, citing figures connected to past corruption allegations. The discussion touched on accusations about former city officials and potential illicit financing of the PSPV, with Catalá urging Puig to take responsibility for honor. Puig countered by suggesting the need to consult an advisor connected to Valencia’s City Council. [citation: Valencian Parliament records]
The exchange included tense moments as party members clashed, with some displaying symbolic banners and rhetoric about pre-election messaging and the financing of water initiatives. Vox representatives offered pointed commentary, jokingly accusing the PSOE of a long-line of X identifiers linked to various corruption scandals, while Puig rejected the jests as unfounded and unhelpful.
Cs looking for own profile
The plenary session also spotlighted how Ciudadanos planned to define its stance. Mamen Peris, making her debut as a trustee, approached Puig with a conciliatory gesture while also signaling readiness to press for a firmer line when needed. The session grew sharper as colleagues offered more pointed critiques, with Vox highlighting a proposed shift in education policy, specifically a multilingual model, framed as a departure from Toni Cantó’s era. Further debate was expected to clarify whether the shift signaled genuine reconciliation or a strategic repositioning to distance from the PP.
Two other important topics emerged: discussions on extraordinary economic support measures and the Valencia Climate Change Agency. The assembly also welcomed a new Ciudadanos deputy, Fernando Mules, who succeeds Ruth Merino as spokesperson and lawmaker in the Valencian Parliament. [citation: Valencian Parliament records]
Overall, the session underscored ongoing tensions over water policy and governance, with rapid-fire exchanges illustrating how coalition dynamics could shape regional decisions on irrigation, infrastructure, and environmental priorities in the months ahead. The dialogue reflected the broader political contest surrounding resource management and accountability in the Valencian Community. [citation: Valencian Parliament records]