A sense of shame has once again settled over Valencia. Locals feel that their region is once again the target of ridicule and pity, as if the chronic affliction of corruption and political incompetence refuses to let go. People across the country look on in disbelief, sometimes with open sympathy, as if Valencians are incapable of breaking free from this vicious cycle.
For years, residents of the region endured endless jokes and biting remarks from other autonomous communities—where, incidentally, corruption also thrived. Yet it was Valencia that became the symbol of it all, as if it reached its peak here. While scandals were hushed up or ignored elsewhere, here they were brought into the spotlight, and the judicial system seemed to play along with the spectacle.
A turning point
But there came a moment when Valencians said ‘enough.’ The region experienced a political shift that, for a time, put an end to major corruption cases. For eight years, there wasn’t a single high-profile scandal involving left-wing parties, and even isolated incidents among the ranks of the PSPV socialists had no serious consequences. This proved that the problem wasn’t Valencia itself, but rather those who governed it.
But everything changed with the arrival of the new government. The second reform package, named “Simplifica” from the Generalitat Valenciana, has reopened the doors to old schemes. Authorities have relaxed regulations, prompting a return to practices that benefit developers and companies linked to former corruption networks. Millions of euros are once again flowing into questionable contracts, leaving residents feeling deceived once more.
New faces, same methods
The emergence of figures such as Pérez Llorca on the political scene has only heightened concerns. Unlike his predecessor Carlos Mazón, Llorca comes across as more serious and intelligent, speaks Valencian, and strives to appear as a true statesman. But behind the respectable façade, the same methods persist: favoritism, incompetence, lack of real experience, and a desire to please his own circle.
The new government is no better than the previous ones. It’s a group of people who neither believe in nor respect the institutions. For many Valencians, this has been a blow to their pride. Not long ago, they took pride in breaking free from a vicious cycle, but now they are once again forced to justify the actions of their leaders.
Pride and disappointment
Millions of locals are tired of being the butt of jokes. For them, it’s important not only to shed this public shame, but also to reclaim the dignity they have fought so long to restore. Even those who didn’t support the previous left-wing government admitted that things had improved. Now, however, everything is slipping back to the way it was.
People in Valencia are tired of their region being synonymous with corruption and incompetence. They want change, they want to be proud of their home and not afraid to say where they’re from. But this requires real action — not just more promises and reforms that only make things worse.
Last chance
2026 could be decisive for the left in the region. If they fail to lay the groundwork for real change, Valencia risks losing the trust of its citizens for good. The time for excuses is over—the moment for action has come. Otherwise, the region will end up at the center of new scandals, and Valencians will once again become punchlines.
