Vox Pushes for Political Agreement Amid Uncertainty in Valencia's Leadership

The far-right party Vox is expressing confidence about reaching a political agreement with the Valencian Popular Party (PP) that will uphold previously established measures against the European Green Pact and irregular immigration. In their first meeting in Valencia, Vox urged the PP to clarify and propose a candidate for the Generalitat, stressing that adhering to these policies will facilitate a more straightforward negotiation process. As the deadline for the investiture in the Valencian Corts approaches—only nine days remain—the PP still lacks a designated candidate for the presidency of the Generalitat. This absence of a clear choice is blocking essential negotiations with Vox, which the PP depends upon to maintain power in the Comunitat Valenciana. Last Monday, Vox reiterated that no negotiations would commence until the PP proposes a candidate following the recent resignation of Carlos Mazón. On Friday, Vox acknowledged ongoing talks with its Valencian counterpart, marked by a meeting led by Ignacio Garriga and Montserrat Lluis, deputies of Santiago Abascal, as reported by elDiarioes. However, the spokesperson in the Corts, José María Llanos, emphasized a crucial point: "There is no negotiation because there is no candidate." Both the PP and Vox have remained tight-lipped regarding who the conservatives’ interlocutor is in these discussions, with Vox characterizing that detail as irrelevant. Instead, Vox is keen on focusing the conversation around adherence to its policy proposals, which include denying climate change, stigmatizing migrants, and reducing social welfare rights as part of a new political agreement akin to those previously established with the conservative party. Vox’s Secretary General, Ignacio Garriga, indicated during an interview on RNE, reported by Europa Press, that the aim of his party is not to secure a seat of influence amid the ongoing shifts in leadership for the Generalitat but to advocate for a series of policies that align with their political agenda. The focus remains on supporting the PP's proposal while simultaneously resisting what they characterize as the destructive policies of the Socialist Party. "We are waiting for the Popular Party to decide on the candidate. Once they communicate it to us, we can negotiate specific policies that align with our objectives—such as renouncing the European Green Pact, halting migration policies, reducing taxes, promoting quality education, and easing housing access," Garriga affirmed. The intent behind these movements from Vox is to assert a shift in political direction, which Garriga argues began with their previous agreement on Mazón's leadership. The party aims to ensure that the new candidate mirrors the strategic framework already laid out, aiming to avoid disappointing the Spanish populace. Ultimately, Vox has stated that it does not prioritize individual names or political positions; rather, they seek to demonstrate that an alternative form of governance is possible—one that diverges from the political landscape that Spain has experienced for the past 40 years. As the political landscape unfolds in Valencia, all eyes will remain on the PP's decision regarding a candidate and how that will affect its negotiations with Vox. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2