Francisco Camps Announces Return to Valencian Politics, Aiming for Party Unity

Francisco Camps, the former president of the Generalitat and the People's Party (PP) in the Valencian Community, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of the PPCV once more, coinciding with the party's upcoming regional congress. In his announcement on Wednesday, Camps expressed his loyalty to current national leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, emphasizing his commitment to assist him in achieving political success at La Moncloa. However, his comments also seemed to challenge the current leadership of Carlos Mazón, suggesting a potential rift within the party. Camps made his announcement during a political event held at the Palau Alameda in Valencia, which drew several hundred party members and supporters. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as attendees shouted "president" in support of Camps, who served as the Valencian president from 2003 to 2011. He articulated his desire to unify the party, reflecting on a time when he successfully led it to win a majority. Highlighting his intention to include all party members in his vision for the future, Camps stated that he wanted support from everyone holding political responsibilities in the Valencian Community, from Mazón down to local councilors. His words, however, were laden with underlying tensions, as he took the opportunity to criticize the current leadership of the PP in Valencia, particularly regarding their response to the DANA disaster in October, which received significant backlash despite reassurances from the national party. Camps challenged his audience with a series of rhetorical questions, asking if his long-standing loyalty to the party and its values was not evident. He illuminated his past contributions, including securing three absolute majorities for the PP, and questioned whether his years of dedication—characterized by silence and resilience amid challenges—did not signify loyalty in and of itself. "Isn't it loyalty to have remained silent day after day, congress after congress, knowing that I, like many of you, had played a role in making the PP great and never once receiving acknowledgment?" he implored. As he concluded his speech, Camps called upon his supporters to rally behind him, promising that their unwavering commitment would lead to renewed strength for the PPCV and the broader PP in Spain. His appeal for loyalty points to a crucial ongoing narrative within the party as it navigates internal divisions and prepares for a pivotal regional congress, the results of which could shape the future of Valencian politics. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2