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Valencian PP in Crisis: Mazón’s Future Hangs in the Balance After Funeral Protests
The Valencian People’s Party (PP) is grappling with a deepening crisis as President Carlos Mazón contemplates his political future following a deeply unsettling week. The turmoil stems from public displays of anger directed at Mazón during last Wednesday’s state funeral for victims of the Dana tragedy, where he reportedly faced insults from grieving individuals at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.
Since the funeral, Mazón has retreated to Alicante, seeking counsel from close allies while requesting a period of “reflection.” This pause has ignited speculation about his next move, with questions swirling around a potential resignation, early elections, or a decision not to seek re-election in 2027. Sources within his inner circle suggest the latter option is the preferred path.
“Don’t let yourself do a Rita Barberá,” leaders of the Valencian PP reportedly warned Mazón during a lunch held Friday, a stark reminder of a previous political downfall. The reference alludes to the pressure faced by former Valencia mayor Rita Barberá in 2016, who ultimately left the party while under investigation for alleged corruption. The comparison underscores the high stakes and potential pitfalls facing Mazón. According to sources, Mazón’s phone has been “a powder keg” since Wednesday, with a constant stream of calls and urgent messages.
While Mazón is not currently under investigation in connection with the Dana tragedy, the emotional toll of the funeral and the subsequent backlash appear to be weighing heavily on him. He reportedly told colleagues he needs more time to process the events and the images of the funeral. Despite the uncertainty,one thing appears clear: Mazón will not be the PP’s candidate in the 2027 elections. His preferred successor is reportedly vicente Mompó,the president of the Valencia Provincial Council.
The coming week is critical for the Valencian PP, with several key events on the horizon. On Monday, journalist Maribel Vilaplana, who spent nearly four hours with Mazón at the El Ventorro resturant on October 29, 2024, will testify before the judge investigating the Dana tragedy. Tuesday will see the Valencian president convene his Goverment Council, and on Wednesday, he is scheduled to announce his third government reshuffle in a year. while notable changes are not anticipated, the departure of the second vice president and the associated restructuring could lead to the current Minister of Infrastructure, Vicente Martínez Mus, assuming additional responsibilities. Tho, some within the party believe Mazón may use the Government Council meeting on Tuesday as a platform to announce his future plans.
A meeting of key PP leaders on Friday-including Mompó, Marta Barrachina (president of the Castellón Provincial Council), Toni Pérez (president of the Alicante Provincial Council), and juan Francisco Serrano (general secretary of the Valencian PP)-highlighted the urgency of the situation. While described as a routine monthly lunch, sources indicate the conversation quickly turned to Mazón’s predicament.During the meal, the leaders reportedly phoned Mazón directly, pressing him for a decision and urging him to avoid a prolonged and damaging stalemate.
The leadership is already working to identify a consensus candidate to replace Mazón, with Mompó emerging as the frontrunner. While Mompó has gained increased media visibility in recent weeks,including an informative breakfast with senior PP officials and members of the Consell,the final decision rests with a pending regional congress and ultimately with party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.Another potential candidate is María José Catalá, the current mayor of Valencia.
Mompó recently stated, “we valencians do not decide when a president resigns, but rather which president we want,” reflecting the sentiment that Mazón’s future is inextricably linked to the ongoing reconstruction efforts following the Dana disaster. The coming days will determine whether Mazón can navigate this crisis and chart a course forward for the Valencian PP, or if the party will be forced to confront a new era of leadership.
