A new conflict has emerged in Valencia’s political landscape, one that goes far beyond the usual budget debates. Diana Morant, who heads the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities as well as the Valencian socialists, has decided to use her position to actively oppose the decisions of the regional government led by Carlos Mazón.
In recent months, the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua (AVL) has found itself in the spotlight. After the coalition of the People’s Party and Vox insisted on a significant reduction in the institution’s funding, its annual budget was nearly halved—from 3.8 million euros to just over two million. This decision sparked outrage among left-wing groups and advocates of preserving the region’s cultural identity.
Morant, who makes no secret of her political ambitions, decided not to stand aside. At a recent public event, she announced plans to provide the Acadèmia with a direct subsidy from her ministry’s funds. In 2025, the institution may receive 200,000 euros, and in 2026, as much as 338,000. In this way, the central government is seeking to offset losses caused by the actions of the regional authorities while also strengthening its position ahead of potential elections.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Academy’s budget cuts resulted from political agreements between PP and Vox. The latter have long advocated for limiting the influence of the AVL, viewing it as a tool for promoting the regional language at the expense of Spanish. However, dissolving the organization is not possible—its status is enshrined in the Statute of Autonomy. As a result, hardliners have at least managed to exert financial pressure.
In response to these actions, Morant not only shows support for the Academy but also emphasizes that the central government is ready to defend cultural institutions against attempts to undermine them. This decision also serves as a signal to other left-wing parties, such as Compromís and Sumar, that the fight for the region’s identity continues and calls for consolidated efforts.
Overall, the confrontation between Morant and Mazón is reaching a new level. The future of the Valencian Academy of Language is becoming not only a symbol of cultural policy but also a battleground for political ambitions and strategies ahead of the upcoming electoral cycles.
