Following her acceptance of Compromís's nomination the previous day, Esquerra Unida has proposed uniting with Mónica Oltra to lead a broad left-wing candidacy for Valencia's 2027 municipal elections, aiming to include Podem and Sumar. The move prompts Mayor María José Catalá to reaffirm her PP leadership.
This comes a day after Mónica Oltra, former vice president of the Generalitat, accepted Compromís's nomination for Valencia mayor at Iniciativa del Poble Valencià's congress, marking her return to frontline politics amid ongoing legal challenges.
Esquerra Unida, which has collaborated with Compromís since prior general and European elections, announced its support for an open left-wing electoral list led by Oltra. The initiative could integrate Podem, Sumar, and garner backing from Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, as highlighted by ERC spokesperson Gabriel Rufián.
Esquerra Unida leader in the País Valencià, Rosa Pérez Garijo, said: «From the conviction in defending a broad and mobilizing left-wing front for our city, Esquerra Unida will add all its efforts to rescue Valencia from darkness with Mónica Oltra as mayor of a transformative government».
Podemos's Valencia spokesperson, María Teresa Pérez, emphasized prioritizing shared objectives before finalizing candidacies. Oltra, symbolizing resistance to 'lawfare' after her legal case was archived twice, advocates policies like banning excess wealth and fostering welcoming cities.
The proposal impacts the right-wing: Mayor María José Catalá (PP) confirmed her intent to run again, stating: «My destiny is the Valencia mayoralty. I am very excited to focus on a second term with projects we are already working on».
Polls indicate a unified left list could enable regaining city hall, where in 2023 Esquerra Unida and Podem collected votes but won no seats.
