Valencia's 2025 Budgets Approved Amidst Controversy and Disaster Recovery
The plenary session of Les Corts, the Valencian parliament, saw the approval of the Generalitat's budgets for 2025 on Wednesday night, marking the second consecutive budget under President Carlos Mazón's leadership. The approval came with votes from the Popular Party (PP) and Vox, while the opposition parties, PSPV and Compromís, faced defeat as they were unable to integrate any of their proposed amendments into the financial plan.
The 2025 budgets total approximately 32.29 billion euros, reflecting an increase of 2.56 billion euros or 8.6% from the previous year. Significantly, they allocate 2.364 billion euros to address damage from a disaster that struck Valencia province on October 29. This funding will be sourced through debt, emphasizing the government’s intent to focus on reconstruction following the calamity that has overshadowed the region.
President Mazón characterized these budgets as essential for recovery, stating his gratefulness to Vox for their support, and he highlighted that their approval clears the path for accelerated reconstruction efforts. During his remarks made in Alicante prior to the voting session, he expressed optimism about the budgets' positive implications for the community.
The PP spokesperson, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, commended this development and contrasted Valencia's early budget approval with the government's failure to finalize the General State Budgets (PGE). Meanwhile, José Mª Llanos from Vox hailed the budgets as historic, albeit acknowledging that they do not fully align with their preferences. He conveyed confidence that they prioritize the interests of Valencians.
Opposition parties criticized the approval fervently. PSPV's General Secretary and Minister of Science, Diana Morant, framed the budgets as an in-kind payment from the PP to Vox, aimed solely at maintaining Mazón's presidency amid pressure from various quarters. Compromís spokesperson Joan Baldoví labeled the budgeting process as politically motivated, arguing it demonstrates the interests of a leadership that remains in power only due to Vox's support.
Despite the long hours of debate, stretching from early morning until nearly midnight, the session faced interruptions, notably when the PSPV sought to have parts of their amendments voted on separately, a request that was ultimately denied. This decision was seen as a tactical move by the PP and Vox to streamline proceedings, reflecting a focus on efficiency in contrast to what the opposition deemed necessary deliberation on contentious issues.
The marathon session coincided with the anniversary of the elections which elevated Mazón to the presidency, demonstrating the political tensions that have since unfolded. The exchanges during the debate were heated, with repeated criticisms exchanged between the left and right, specifically aimed at each other's leadership and disaster management. Criticism towards Mazón's handling of the disaster was met with counter-accusations aimed at Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, indicating the broader political landscape’s influence on local governance.
As the Valencian government moves forward with these approved budgets, the implications for disaster recovery and the political atmosphere in Les Corts will be closely monitored, as opposition parties signal their dissent and call for accountability amidst ongoing challenges.
Related Sources: