Agreement between Mazón and Vox to approve Valencian reconstruction budgets

Monday 17 March 2025 - 15:42

By: Zahouani Ilham

Agreement between Mazón and Vox to approve Valencian reconstruction budgets

Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat, announced on Monday that his government has reached an agreement with Vox to approve the 2025 budgets for the Valencian Community. These budgets have been referred to by Mazón as those for "reconstruction," in light of the consequences of the DANA (Storm Gloria). Mazón expressed hope that this agreement would be evaluated beyond political affiliations, considering it an essential step for the reconstruction of the region.

Mazón emphasized that "direct, concrete, and measurable aid" to DANA victims is being delivered "five times faster" than the assistance provided by the central government, despite having a budget 20 times smaller than the central government's.

The reconstruction plan is based on key pillars: immediate moral and material assistance to those affected, and preparing the region to prevent such disasters from recurring. This includes necessary reviews of emergency systems and protocols and a strong commitment to the construction of water infrastructure. Mazón pointed out that the rigidity of climate policies and regulations should not hinder necessary construction efforts, highlighting that the left-wing policies had previously resulted in security consequences for the people.

Mazón also criticized the central government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, accusing them of focusing more on debt write-offs for separatist allies than on presenting a comprehensive plan for the region. According to Mazón, reconstruction requires a government that focuses less on electoral gain and more on addressing the needs of the people. He rejected Sánchez's statement, "If they want more help, they should ask for it," as an abandonment of state responsibility.

The Generalitat's goal, Mazón explained, is to reverse the "disastrous consequences of the left-wing government" that the PP inherited after the May 2023 elections. He highlighted one key change: replacing imposition with freedom regarding language policies, allowing parents to choose whether their children study in Spanish, a right that Mazón and Vox have made a reality.

On fiscal matters, Mazón underscored the urgent need for tax cuts, which the new government implemented immediately upon taking office. He also addressed the challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, and fishermen in the region, calling for action against the European Green Deal, which he believes threatens the essence of the regional economy. He called for a radical shift away from the so-called "Botánico" ecological policies that have been in place since 2015 under the PSPV, Compromis, and Podem coalition.

Mazón also addressed the issue of immigration, strongly criticizing the central government's policies and announcing that his administration would not accept further distribution of illegal immigrants as promoted by Pedro Sánchez's government. He argued that it is unacceptable for some territories to be given special treatment while the Valencian Community is left to bear the burden without support, resources, or planning. He referred to this as political blackmail and emphasized that the region had already reached its capacity and would not accept any further illegal immigration. Mazón also vowed to seek legal measures to ensure that unaccompanied minors who arrive in the region could return to their families.

Vox had previously left the Valencian government in July after an agreement between PP-led regions allowed the distribution of 347 unaccompanied minors from the Canary Islands and Ceuta.