Carlos Mazón Resigns as President of Generalitat Valenciana Amid Political Controversy

Carlos Mazón has stepped down as president of the Generalitat Valenciana, marking the end of a tenure marked by considerable political criticism and controversy. Despite his resignation, critiques suggest that the political approach associated with Mazón will continue under the leadership of Partido Popular's (PP) Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Mazón faced widespread lack of support across different sectors, including from society, the press, and his own party, except from Feijóo, who remained his staunch advocate.

A major point of contention during Mazón's presidency was the handling of the devastating DANA natural disaster that struck the province of Valencia on October 29, 2024. His presence during this crisis was questioned, with accusations of absence and insufficient response to the victims’ needs. The Valencian government, however, has maintained that substantial reconstruction efforts have been ongoing under Mazón and his administration's guidance over the past year. Susana Camarero, spokesperson for the Valencian Executive, acknowledged the disaster's severe impact and the organization’s focus on rebuilding, though she refrained from commenting on Mazón’s personal performance or calls from opposition parties for his resignation from his legislative seat.

The investiture of Mazón’s successor, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, is scheduled to take place soon in Les Corts Valencianes, with Mazón expected to attend the debate. Political analysts have criticized Feijóo’s leadership style as marked by slow decision-making and reluctance to withdraw support from Mazón despite mounting evidence of governance issues. This, critics argue, reflects a broader failure within the PP to assume responsibility and address citizens’ grievances, especially in times of crisis.

While Mazón’s resignation may signal a change in regional leadership, the political modus operandi embodied by Feijóo and the PP appears largely intact, perpetuating concerns about accountability and responsiveness in the region’s governance.