Mónica Oltra's return is complicated: "It seems they don't consider her the candidate"

ValenciaThat Mónica Oltra's return to the front line of Compromís would not be a smooth path was evident to anyone who knew the coalition's trajectory. Especially due to the continuous discrepancies between Iniciativa del Poble Valencià –the former vice-president's party– and the nationalists of Més. Even more so, after the progressive leader's traumatic resignation worsened the relationship between the two partners. The unknown, therefore, was to determine the intensity of the dispute. Almost two months after Oltra announced that she accepted being the electoral figurehead in the city of Valencia, we now know the answer. The start of Compromís' pre-campaign for the 2027 elections, which takes place this weekend, has given it to us, and the fact that the former Equality minister has not yet been officially designated as a candidate, a circumstance that has outraged her circle, who do not hesitate to ask if her partners truly want her fighting for the mayorship.

The Compromís leadership claims to be surprised by the criticism. They defend themselves by explaining that, unlike events organized in other cities, in which the candidates for mayor will participate, as is the case with Verònica Ruiz in Castelló de la Plana, the call in Valencia only includes an activity in defense of the right to housing. Oltra's circle does not see it that way and highlights that the coalition has dubbed the event the "kick-off for electoral mobilization for the 2027 municipal and regional elections." They also regret that the former vice-president was informed of the event via email. "If they haven't invited her as a candidate, it must be because they don't consider her a candidate," insist these sources, who regret that the commitment to the progressive leader has not been formalized. The leadership, however, emphasizes that there is no doubt that Oltra will be the lead candidate in the city of Valencia and that Joan Baldoví will be the one aspiring to preside over the Generalitat.

Condemned to understand each other

Beyond the interpretation of each word or movement, at the root of the conflict between Iniciativa and Més lies the choice of the coalition's direction and its alliances. The former vice-president has returned with the condition of leading a broad front that, at least at the municipal level, should include Esquerra Unida, Sumar, and Podem. Furthermore, this grand alliance should be replicated in the Valencian Courts and in all municipalities where possible. The difficulty lies in the fact that Més does not look favorably upon adding the lilac party, much less at the regional level, nor modifying the name of the candidacy to include the rest of the formations.

It is, therefore, a debate also of an ideological nature between a party that prioritizes the national axis –Més– and another, the progressive one –Iniciativa–. The element that completes the puzzle is the dispute for the leadership of the coalition. Oltra's absence has allowed Més to increase its dominance and recover from the wounded pride of years in which it almost shared power with an Iniciativa with far fewer militants, but which had Oltra's electoral appeal. Now, however, they assert that they are the majority, and this hinders coexistence, as demonstrated by the coalition's division in Congress.

Despite the reproaches and differences, what those who know the inner workings of the coalition and its two souls – to which the ecologists of the Verds must be added – also know is their need to reach an understanding. Més is aware that electorally it is beneficial for them to have Oltra's endorsement, and the former vice-president knows that the project where she is currently most competitive is Compromís. The most predictable outcome, therefore, is that they will resolve the conflicts.