The reshuffling within the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua (AVL) has become one of the most significant developments in Valencia’s language policy in recent years. Seven new members, elected just before the founding members’ terms expired, will entirely reshape the institute that has defined the standards and development of the Valencian language since 2001. This decision not only marks the end of an era, but also signals new trends in the region’s approach to linguistic issues.
Among those leaving their posts is the current president, Verònica Cantó. The new academics will replace Artur Ahuir, Àngel Calpe, Verònica Cantó, Jordi Colomina, Ramon Ferrer, Josep Palomero, and Alfons Vila. Until the official handover, outgoing members will continue their duties, after which a new AVL leader will be appointed. According to El Pais, this move concludes a renewal process started back in 2016. For the first time in the institute’s history, there will be no members remaining who were appointed through political agreements between PP and PSOE—supported by Bloc and formalized via Consell Valencià de Cultura.
Changes in the lineup
This time, ten candidates vied for seven seats, with Vicent Beltran, M. Isabel Guardiola, Enric Guinot, Susanna Lliberós, Miquel Àngel Pradilla, Toni Sabater, and Carles Segura ultimately selected. Among them are doctors of philology, professors, a poet, and a literary critic. Such a lineup underscores a drive toward professionalization and a more scholarly approach within the AVL. Notably, after this reshuffle, the gender ratio in the academy will shift: there will now be more women—11—compared to 10 men.
The procedure for renewing the composition of the AVL is regulated by law, which was amended in 2017 to ensure gender balance. In 2021, seven women joined the academy at once, marking a significant step toward equality. This time, no lottery was needed—there were exactly seven positions to fill. This avoided disputes and sped up the process.
Political context
The creation of the AVL in 2001 aimed to put an end to the prolonged conflict over the status of the Valencian language and its relationship to Catalan. At the time, the academy included representatives from different perspectives, including supporters of the Real Academia de Cultura Valenciana, who advocated recognizing Valencian and Catalan as distinct languages. However, the international scholarly community holds a different view. Since then, the AVL has become a key body on language policy issues in the region.
In recent years, the institute has come under pressure from the Vox party, which has repeatedly criticized the AVL and attempted to restrict its funding during budget negotiations with the PP. Despite this, the academy continues its mission of normalizing and promoting the Valencian language, and the current rotation may strengthen its independence from political influences.
Professional composition
Among the new members are Vicent Beltran Calvo, PhD in Catalan Philology and lecturer at the University of Alicante; M. Isabel Guardiola Savall, also a PhD holder and former AVL academic; Enric Guinot, professor of Medieval History in Valencia; Susanna Lliberós, poet and journalist; Miquel Àngel Pradilla, sociolinguistics expert; Toni Sabater, lawyer, cultural manager, and writer; and Carles Segura Llopes, PhD in Philology and lecturer. This diverse lineup promises fresh approaches to language issues and will strengthen AVL’s scientific foundation.
According to El Pais, the recent update of the academy’s membership means that all members have now been selected based on professional and academic criteria, rather than political agreements. This could lead to more balanced decisions and boost trust in the institution among Valencia residents.
In recent years, Spain has seen a trend towards renewing the makeup of key cultural and academic institutions. For example, in 2021, similar processes took place within the Real Academia Española and other language organizations. These changes are often accompanied by debates about the role of politics in academic bodies and the need for gender balance. As a result of such reforms, institutions are becoming more transparent and professional, supporting the development of the country’s linguistic and cultural environment.
