A new development has emerged in Valencia’s political landscape: the regional government (Generalitat Valenciana) has officially appealed to Spain’s central authorities, demanding a review of the country’s energy strategy. In a letter sent to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the regional government calls for a plan that would secure Spain’s energy independence without relying on EU climate directives. The document was prepared with input from the Vox party, highlighting the unity of these two political forces on this issue.
The initiative coincided with ongoing negotiations between the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox regarding the upcoming session to elect the new head of the Valencian government. The PP candidate, Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca, is counting on Vox’s support to secure the necessary majority in the first round of voting. At the same time, Vox representatives are withholding their intentions, setting conditions such as rejecting the EU’s ‘green agenda,’ tightening migration policy, and moving forward with major water infrastructure projects.
Political bargaining and the energy agenda
The letter sent to the ministry is yet another sign of the close cooperation between the PP and Vox in Valencia. As early as late October, both parties jointly voted in the regional parliament against Brussels’ climate initiatives. However, only now has their position been officially conveyed to the central authorities, coinciding with a decisive stage in the battle for the head of the regional government.
The letter emphasizes the need to exclude the influence of supranational bodies on the formation of Spain’s energy policy. Among the key demands is the extension of the operational period for the Cofrentes nuclear power plant, which, according to the authors of the appeal, should strengthen the country’s energy security. Vox representatives also insist on reducing the tax burden on the nuclear sector and halting the implementation of European climate initiatives, which they argue have a negative impact on the region’s industry, automotive sector, and agriculture.
Intraparty disagreements and expectations ahead of the vote
Inside the People’s Party, discussions on strategy are ongoing ahead of the vote. The party leadership in Madrid has already approved Pérez-Llorca’s speech, but none of the senior leaders plan to attend the session in Valencia. This highlights the caution of the central leadership regarding the potential consequences of an alliance with Vox for the party’s national image.
If Pérez Llorca does not secure Vox’s support in the first round, a repeat vote will take place 48 hours later. So far, representatives of the far-right party are holding back from making specific statements, limiting themselves to general demands on key issues—from rejecting the ‘green deal’ to tightening migration controls and implementing infrastructure projects.
Reactions amid investigations and leadership changes
Alongside political negotiations in Valencia, investigations into the actions of Carlos Mazón (Carlos Mazón) during the recent natural disaster are ongoing. New details about his conduct on the day of the emergency are causing tension within the party and increasing pressure on its leadership. Those close to Alberto Núñez Feijóo (Alberto Núñez Feijóo) hope that electing a new head of government will help defuse criticism and speed up the renewal process for the party’s regional branch.
In the coming days, following the vote, a leadership change is expected within the People’s Party of Valencia. This is set to serve as a signal for other regional branches, which will also be holding elections soon. The question of how cooperation with Vox will affect the party’s future and its position in other regions remains open.
The future of energy and political prospects
The situation in Valencia could set a precedent for other regions of Spain, where criticism of the European Union’s climate policy is mounting. Demands to revise the energy strategy and reject external pressure are gaining support among some voters concerned about rising prices and threats to traditional sectors of the economy.
It will soon become clear whether PP and Vox can agree on joint action and how this will impact the balance of power in Spanish politics. The issue of energy independence and the country’s stance on European initiatives is taking center stage, promising new debates and potential shifts in the national agenda.
