Diana Morant, Secretary General of the PSPV, formalized her candidacy this Saturday before the Federal Committee of the PSOE. Her objective is to lead the socialist candidacy for the Generalitat Valenciana in the 2027 elections. This primary process, to be held in July, is expected to be a mere formality, but the regional leadership wants to accelerate it to contrast her figure, described as a "strong" and "legitimized" territorial leader by the bases, with that of president Juanfran Pérez Llorca.
The Federal Committee has approved a new primary regulation that will offer three time windows for the different federations: July, September, and November. The PSPV has opted for the first option, July, a decision that the next regional Executive will have to approve. A smooth path is expected for Morant, although the appearance of an 'outsider' candidate cannot be ruled out.
Once Morant is proclaimed candidate, the intention of Valencian socialists is to continue with 'cascade' primaries for the major municipalities after the summer, and for the rest in November. However, this calendar is still pending confirmation and may have exceptions. Leaders currently in government are exempt from this process and have the option to repeat their mandate, although exceptions will also occur.
In some municipalities, such as Quart, there are internal conflicts despite the current mayor, Cristina Mora, governing, with her predecessor, Carmen Martínez, now a deputy in Congress. The increase in affiliations, which have quadrupled, highlights these movements. Another hot spot is Sueca, where Corts deputy Benja Mompó is emerging as an alternative to Joan Carles Vázquez.
From Morant's team, they emphasize that her proclamation as the official candidate for the Palau de la Generalitat in 2027, chosen by the membership, represents a "clear difference" with the situation of the PPCV. Sources close to Morant indicate that the PSPV is "prepared" facing a PPCV "in internal crisis," with an interim president, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, who does not have confirmed support from the national leadership and with "doubts" within the party.
The Federal Committee meeting also served to reaffirm the PSPV's loyalty to Pedro Sánchez, despite the judicial scandals affecting the Government and the PSOE. Morant has expressed the party's support for the President of the Government to "continue improving people's lives." The regional leader has rejected an early general election, although some party sectors would prefer general elections before the May municipal elections to minimize a possible contagion effect.
On a regional level, Morant has defended the "need" for a strong and united party as an "alternative" to PP and Vox, and has pledged to defend the collectives "aggrieved" by the PP's Consell, such as victims of the 'dana' (heavy rainfall), the educational community, and the feminist and LGTBI movements.
