Political Tensions Rise in Valencia: Will Carlos Mazón Step Down?

The political arena in Valencia is experiencing heightened tensions as President Carlos Mazón faces increasing pressure regarding his future leadership role. Despite speculation about his potential resignation, the president has yet to make a definitive decision about whether he will run for re-election or step aside entirely. This uncertainty has prompted a wave of speculation, particularly around Vicente Mompó, the president of the Valencia Provincial Council, who is seen as a leading candidate to replace him. Transport Minister Óscar Puente has publicly criticized Mompó, suggesting he would not be a suitable alternative to Mazón, asserting, "This one is worse than Mazón," in a social media post. Puente's remarks come in the midst of rampant rumors about Mazón's political future and his role as a potential candidate for the Generalitat in the upcoming elections slated for 2027. Until recently, Mazón appeared confident in his position, but reports indicate he might have already decided against seeking another term, instead favoring Mompó as his successor. The atmosphere of uncertainty intensified when Mazón was heckled by the relatives of DANA victims during a tribute event in Valencia. The president acknowledged the incident was troubling and indicated he would hold a press conference soon to address the situation, though specifics about the date or content remain unclear. Adding to the political drama, details emerged suggesting that Mazón misled the public regarding his whereabouts during the crisis, sparking further criticism. While he claimed to have left an event to go to the Palau, sources indicate he was actually accompanying journalist Maribel Vilaplana to her car. In contrast, Mompó has gained some public favor, having been proactive in calling for emergency alerts during the DANA tragedy, which occurred while Mazón was reportedly dining. When questioned about his potential candidacy to lead the Generalitat, Mompó offered a vague response, emphasizing his commitment to defend the interests of Valencia, while remaining noncommittal about his political future. He stated, "I have no idea where I will be in the future," and added, "He [Mazón] will have to decide what to do." Despite Mompó’s relatively low profile outside of Valencia, his alignment with the public sentiment during the crisis has shifted some opinions in his favor compared to Mazón. In a revealing statement a month after the DANA disaster, Mompó was seen defending Mazón's leadership and questioning calls for his resignation over delayed responses in the emergent situation. As the clock ticks down to the 2027 elections, the political landscape in Valencia remains volatile, with questions surrounding leadership continuity and the potential implications for the People's Party as internal dynamics evolve and public sentiments shift. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2