The restructuring of the Consell that Carlos Mazon concluded late Wednesday also contemplates the transfer of public service powers from the Treasury to Justiceas confirmed on Thursday by the Valencian government. The Generalitat announced yesterday evening the planned dismissal of Salomé Pradas and the incorporation of Juan Carlos Valderrama Yes Nuria Martinez to the two portfolios into which the department managed by the previous manager, sacrificed for her management of DANA, is divided.
The president had already announced the creation of a new department days earlier, Emergencies and Interiorsthat Valderrama presupposes. Also a new vice-presidency in which all powers for reconstruction will be centralized and which falls to the lieutenant general Francisco Jose Gan Pampols. The future of Justice remained to be known, which finally resists with its own portfolio and now takes over the management of officials, fundamental for the enormous administrative tasks caused by DANA. Details of the new architecture will be released this Thursday.
This area is lost by Merino, from whom Mazón also took away the spokesperson in favor of Susana Camarero. The vice president emerges stronger from the crisis, while the head of the Treasury, without any role in the most complex days of the legislature, he sees his figure obscured within the Consell after arriving as one of the president’s bets just a year and a half ago, after being signed by Ciudadanos.
Little influence in public service
At an operational level it does not appear to be a significant change, as confirmed by several sources consulted, who underline that the Minister of Finance did not have the reins of the Civil Service despite having moved to his Ministry. He is the general manager, Javier Lorentewho dealt directly with the Presidency on decisions regarding the personnel of public employees, which Merino delegated to him. In any case, the unions liked that the chief of staff also had control of the public treasury, which they interpreted as a guarantee that the signed commitments had a budget allocation.
In this new stage, the Generalitat will have more margin for maneuver to adapt human resources to emergency needs thanks to the decree developed by the Consell and which will allow the administration to modify, even forcibly, the work of its public employees.
Mazón completes the reform of his government and leaves out the Minister of Justice, Salomé Pradas
All the changes related to the restructuring of the Consell to focus on the reconstruction after the DANA have been known through press releases and are still waiting to be published in the Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana. According to what was reported by the Presidency, they will be made official this Friday.
How might the political landscape in Valencia change with the removal of key figures in the government?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Political Analyst Dr. Elena Ramos
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ramos! Just yesterday, the Valencian government underwent a significant restructuring under President Carlos Mazón. Can you tell us what prompted this move?
Dr. Elena Ramos: Thank you for having me! President Mazón’s restructuring seems to be a response to both internal pressures and the recent challenges posed by DANA, which has put a tremendous strain on public services. Transitioning powers from the Treasury to Justice indicates a need for better management of the administrative tasks arising from emergencies, suggesting a shift in focus towards enhancing accountability and efficiency in governance.
Editor: Interesting! The dismissal of Salomé Pradas has certainly caught many by surprise. What implications do you think this will have on the political landscape in Valencian politics?
Dr. Ramos: Dismissals like this often send strong signals. Pradas’ removal could indicate a lack of confidence in her ability to handle crises, especially following the challenges posed by DANA. This opens the door for Juan Carlos Valderrama and Nuria Martinez, who will have to prove their effectiveness in these crucial departments. It could also strengthen the vice president, Francisco Jose Gan Pampols, who now oversees reconstruction efforts, positioning him as a key player in the administration moving forward.
Editor: Speaking of key players, it seems there is a consolidation of power within the Vice Presidency and Justice. What does this signify for the future governance of the region?
Dr. Ramos: The centralization of powers is a significant shift. By consolidating responsibilities under Gan Pampols and the Justice portfolio, the government likely aims to streamline decision-making processes, especially in times of crisis. It suggests a strategic pivot to ensure that response mechanisms are more coordinated and efficient, crucial for rebuilding and managing public trust.
Editor: The article mentions the figure of Merino being overshadowed. How do you interpret the dynamics at play with the Treasury’s role diminishing?
Dr. Ramos: Merino’s diminished role points to the tricky balance of power within Mazón’s cabinet. The fact that he has been stripped of the spokesperson role suggests that the President is realigning his team towards more decisive leadership figures, which can indicate a shift towards a stronger executive branch. This adjustment could potentially lead to tensions within the Consell, especially if Merino feels marginalized.
Editor: Given these changes, what should we be looking out for in the upcoming announcements regarding the new architecture of governance?
Dr. Ramos: I’d keep an eye on how the roles of Valderrama and Martinez evolve in light of their new responsibilities. Transparency in how they communicate their strategies will be crucial. Additionally, the establishment of the new Emergencies and Interiors department will likely shape how the government responds to future crises. We’re also anticipating more details on the strategic vision for reconstruction; that will be essential for understanding if this restructuring truly translates into effective governance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramos, for your insights! It seems we have much to watch for in the days ahead as the Valencian government adjusts to these latest changes.
Dr. Ramos: Absolutely! It’s a dynamic situation, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it with you.