On Saturday, May 10, 2025, former Valencian president Francisco Camps made a significant appearance at an event in Valencia, rallying hundreds of supporters from the People's Party (PP) as he positioned himself as a potential leader for the party in the region once again. The gathering, held at the iconic Veles e Vents building, celebrated 30 years of PP governance in the Valencian Community, drawing around 1,600 attendees, according to various estimates from the organizers.
Camps, who served as president of the Generalitat Valenciana from 2003 to 2011, arrived to the sounds of "I Will Survive," a fitting anthem for a man looking to reclaim his political stature. Clad in a confident demeanor, he expressed his willingness to fulfill whatever role the party requires, hinting strongly at his desire to lead the PP in the Valencian Community, currently helmed by Carlos Mazón.
"I will be everything you want me to be," Camps proclaimed, igniting cheers from the crowd. His remarks came amidst a backdrop of nostalgia as he embraced former political allies, including figures like Carlos Fabra and Alfonso Rus, both of whom have faced corruption charges in the past. The event was a mix of celebration and a strategic maneuver as Camps sought to remind the party of its past successes while advocating for a revival of what he termed the "absolute majorities" that characterized his earlier tenure.
The former president’s comments were not lost on attendees, many of whom were eager to relive the glory days of the PP. "My party today needs more strength and vitality, more presence, and more character," he stated, emphasizing the need for a more robust party structure that could effectively engage with voters. This call for revitalization comes at a time when the PP is grappling with internal challenges and external criticisms, particularly following the devastating dana (flood) event in October 2022 that resulted in 228 fatalities in the province of Valencia.
Interestingly, while Camps did not mention Mazón directly, his statements suggested a clear challenge to the current leadership. The national PP leadership has reportedly been cautious about holding a regional congress amidst the ongoing recovery efforts from the disaster, which has left Mazón under scrutiny for his management of the crisis.
Sonia Castedo, the former mayor of Alicante and a key ally of Camps, was one of the most vocal supporters at the event, criticizing the current PP leadership for neglecting the party's grassroots. "The party is not functioning well," she asserted, calling for a return to the helm of someone with experience—namely, Camps himself. Her passionate remarks underscored a growing sentiment among some party members who feel disconnected from the current direction.
As the event unfolded, it became clear that Camps was not merely reminiscing about the past but was actively seeking to forge a path forward. He reiterated his commitment to helping Feijóo, the national party leader, secure the presidency, insisting that a strong PP in the Valencian Community is essential for a successful national campaign. "Spain deserves a government that is not reliant on the worst of each house; it needs the PP," he emphasized, rallying his supporters with promises of renewed efforts to regain political dominance.
In a somewhat calculated move, Camps invoked the legacy of former PP leaders, notably Mariano Rajoy, to lend weight to his vision for the party. He remarked, "If this means what it means, then we will do what we have to do," a phrase that resonated with the audience, many of whom seemed eager for a return to the strong leadership they once knew.
The gathering also served as a reunion of sorts, with many former officials and party veterans present, including those who have faced legal challenges related to corruption. This aspect of the event raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the ongoing concerns about the party's image and integrity.
Despite the nostalgia, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency. Camps articulated a vision that includes not just a return to power but a commitment to addressing the challenges facing the Valencian Community. He called for a party that is proactive and engaged, stating, "A party without government can survive, but a government without a party cannot." This statement encapsulated his belief in the necessity of strong party governance.
As the event concluded, attendees remained hopeful, buoyed by Camps' charisma and promises of revitalization. His declaration that he is ready to lead the PP once again could signal a significant shift in the party's dynamics as it approaches the next electoral cycle.
In the coming months, it will be crucial to observe how Camps' ambitions play out in the context of the PP's internal politics and the broader landscape of Valencian governance. With regional elections on the horizon, the decisions made by party leaders will undoubtedly shape the future of the PP in the Valencian Community.
