A Tense Reunion: Feijóo and Mazón Meet Amid Controversy at EPP Congress
In a significant but tense moment, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the Popular Party (PP), and Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, met during the European People's Party (EPP) Congress held in Valencia on Tuesday and Wednesday. The two leaders exchanged a handshake and walked through the halls of the Feria de Valencia, accompanied by Dolors Montserrat, signaling a public reconciliation after months of criticism regarding the Valencian government's management during the DANA disaster that struck on October 29.
The meeting, anticipated by many in political circles, took place six months following the disastrous floods that had left a deep mark on Valencia and had prompted significant scrutiny of Mazón’s leadership. Both leaders were seen together in the lobby of the plenary area, ahead of the congress, where they entered side by side. Additionally, Mazón enthusiastically welcomed other prominent PP figures, including Cuca Gamarra, the party's general secretary, and Miguel Tellado, the popular spokesperson in Congress.
Despite the seemingly cordial interactions, there was an underlying tension as Feijóo’s team expressed concern over the potential awkwardness of capturing the moment in a photograph, highlighting the intricate dynamics of party politics at play. "It would have been worse if he were not there," remarked Feijóo’s team, acknowledging the significance of Mazón's presence at the event hosted in his own region, even while some party members voiced their frustration at his performance during the crisis.
The initial moments anticipated a different scenario as the two leaders had missed the opening of the congress due to a blackout that affected all of Spain, which delayed their public interactions and created an atmosphere rife with speculation and anxiety. Mazón had announced his absence earlier, but upon his arrival at Feria Valencia, he confirmed his participation in welcoming European popular leaders at a dinner prior to the congress.
Photographs emerged on social media showing Mazón and Valencia’s mayor, María José Catalá, engaging with high-profile figures such as Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Manfred Weber, president of the European People's Party, and Friedrich Merz, the president of the CDU, which highlighted his active role in the event despite any prior controversies.
As the congress unfolded, the spotlight was undoubtedly on the interactions between Feijóo and Mazón, encapsulating the delicate balance of power and public perception within the Popular Party’s ranks. The gathering not only served as a platform for discussing critical European topics but also provided a stage for local leaders to navigate their political relationships amidst contrasting opinions and recent histories.
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