A political debate is heating up in Valencia: Francisco Camps, former head of the Generalitat Valenciana, has once again expressed his ambitions. At a meeting with supporters, he unveiled a plan to renew the leadership of the Partido Popular (PP) in the region and announced his readiness to run for president of the autonomous community in the next elections. Camps insists on the urgent need to convene a party congress to identify new leaders and update the political agenda.
In Camps’ view, the party is not currently showing leadership in the region. He openly calls for change and urges a broad discussion among PP members. While he does not mention rival political forces, Camps emphasizes that the party must reclaim its leading role in shaping Valencia’s direction.
Reaction within the party
Camps’ initiative has provoked mixed reactions within his own party. The Mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, and the president of the Provincial Diputación, Vicente Mompó, believe this is not the right time for a leadership contest. They urge members to focus on serving the region and wait for the appropriate moment to discuss leadership.
Nevertheless, Camps remains undeterred. He continues to be actively involved in the party’s activities, organizing meetings and discussions, and publicly expressing his views. His return to public politics has fueled ongoing debates about the future of the PP in Valencia and who should lead the party in the next elections.
Camps’ plans and arguments
The former regional president emphasizes that the party needs fresh ideas and new faces. He proposes holding an open congress in which all members, even those who haven’t paid dues or have been inactive, can vote. Camps believes that only by doing this can the party regain trust and mobilize supporters across the autonomous community.
He also notes that currently, no party members have expressed a desire to lead the PP or run for the presidency of the Generalitat. Camps claims that he is ready to take on this responsibility himself and is offering his own team, made up of young people without experience in public office.
Looking to the future
Camps insists on the need to start discussing prospects for 2027 now. He is confident that the party can achieve an absolute majority if it begins to act decisively and transparently. Among his priorities is organizing thematic conventions focused on employment, housing, water supply, and infrastructure.
In his speech, Camps stressed that the PP loses ground when it stops leading the public debate. He urged colleagues not to postpone change and to openly voice their ambitions. In his view, only this will enable the party to regain its influence and the trust of voters.
The discussion continues
Internal party debates continue over the timing and format of the upcoming congress. Some leaders believe that it is important to work together now and not rush personnel decisions. They point to the difficult period the party has gone through and emphasize the need to consolidate efforts.
Nevertheless, Camps is convinced that change is inevitable, and the party must be prepared for any scenario—whether it’s early elections, the coincidence of regional and national votes, or completing the current legislature in 2027. He insists on transparency and the involvement of all members in the decision-making process.
