Carlos Mazón has officially stepped down from his position as the leader of the Generalitat Valenciana, marking the end of his tenure. His resignation was announced on November 3, and it follows a challenging period for his administration, particularly in the wake of recent devastating events. Mazón acknowledged his shortcomings, stating, “We did not know there had been fatalities until the early hours of the storm.” He expressed his commitment to addressing the unimaginable devastation that occurred.
This resignation now paves the way for potential successors within the People”s Party (PP). Several candidates have emerged since rumors of Mazón”s departure began circulating. The decision now rests with the party leadership in Génova, who must select a suitable candidate to navigate the region through this crisis and embark on a new chapter.
Potential Successors to Carlos Mazón
Among the early names discussed is Vicente Mompó, the current President of the Valencia Provincial Council. His candidacy, however, has gained less traction in recent months. Mompó was elected as the provincial president of the PP in Valencia with overwhelming support in July 2020 and has been in his current role since July 2023. At 44 years old, he represents a younger generation of leadership.
Another prominent figure being considered is María José Catalá, the current mayor of Valencia. Catalá, also 44, previously served as the regional Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports from 2012 to 2015. She took office as mayor on June 17, 2023. Her potential selection could raise questions about the PP”s prospects in upcoming municipal elections.
Recently, Rubén Pérez Llorca has also emerged as a strong candidate. He has been the spokesperson for the Popular Parliamentary Group in the Valencian Cortes since July 2024. His profile is distinct from both Mompó and Catalá, as he brings a wealth of experience to the table. Notably, he is a member of the National Executive Committee of the PP following the party”s National Congress in 2025.
As the PP contemplates its next steps, the political landscape in the Comunidad Valenciana remains dynamic, with many eyes on who will ultimately lead the region following Mazón”s exit.
