On Tuesday, a swearing-in ceremony for the new president Juanfran Pérez Llorca took place at the regional parliament of Valencia (Les Corts Valencianes). In his inaugural speech, he paid tribute to the victims of the devastating flood that claimed 229 lives. Pérez Llorca addressed the families of the victims with sincere apologies, emphasizing that government authorities failed to respond adequately to the disaster, both on the day of the tragedy and in the days that followed.
He stressed that his words were not mere formalities but reflected his personal conviction that change is necessary. The new head of the region called for an open dialogue between authorities and society in order to restore trust and build mutual understanding. In his view, only by doing so can a foundation be laid for a new era in the life of the Valencian Community.
A new chapter
In his brief yet dynamic speech, which lasted just over ten minutes, Pérez Llorca focused on the need for renewal and restoring pride in the region. He urged the people of Valencia to stop feeling guilty about the past and to look to the future with their heads held high. According to him, it is time for changes that should encompass all areas of life in the autonomy.
Former president Carlos Mazón attended the ceremony, watching the proceedings from the last row of the hall. He was forced to step down following sharp criticism of the authorities for their ineffective response during the flood and public condemnation from the relatives of the victims at the memorial service. Mazón now continues to serve as a deputy in the regional parliament, retaining legal immunity.
Promises of Change
Peréz Llorca promised that his administration would be open, transparent, and inclusive. He emphasized that politics should serve society, not become a battleground for confrontation. The new president recalled the core principles he outlined in his inaugural speech and pledged to uphold them in his work.
Before the session began, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in memory of former regional head José Luis Olivas, who passed away the previous day. Olivas led the Valencian government in the early 2000s, succeeding Eduardo Zaplana after Zaplana moved to a position in the central government.
Family and Support
At Pérez Llorca’s inauguration, his parents, daughters, former wife, and residents of Finestrat, where he recently served as mayor, were present in the hall. Leaders of Partido Popular, including party secretary general Miguel Tellado and Macarena Montesinos, deputy head of the parliamentary faction in the Congress of Deputies, also attended to support the new president.
The Spanish government was represented at the ceremony by the delegate in the Valencian Community, Pilar Bernabé. The presence of high-ranking guests underscored the importance of the event for the region and the entire country.
