Week in News: Protests, Presidency Vote, and Future Rail Links

Bon dia! Political turbulence and protest this week as Valencia’s regional parliament decides on a new President. On Wednesday, November 25, a protest against gender-based violence will gather at Puerta de la Mar. On Saturday, November 29, another mass protest is planned at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, demanding accountability from former president Carlos Mazón.

---

Politics

First Investiture Vote Set for Thursday, November 27

Juanfran Pérez Llorca is now officially the Partido Popular’s candidate to replace the disgraced former president, Carlos Mazón. His name was submitted just before the deadline last Wednesday. El País reports that the regional parliament will hold a plenary session this Thursday, Nov 27, to approve or reject his candidacy.

Llorca will need 50 votes in the first round to secure the presidency and is likely to depend on the far-right party Vox for support. El Confidencial provides a clear breakdown of what to expect in this week’s vote.

PSPV Files Complaint Against Mazón for “False Testimony”

Valencia’s socialist party, the PSPV, has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office accusing former president Carlos Mazón of lying during his appearance in Congress about his handling of the DANA floods, reports Las Provincias.

In defending his flood response, El País explains that Mazón now claims he could not hear his phone because it was inside his backpack — a version that contradicts earlier statements. Skepticism from critics has only intensified. Another protest demanding justice for flood victims is scheduled for Saturday, November 29.

Spain’s Residency Requirements Are Moving Online

Good news for anyone planning to move to Spain in 2026, with a digital revamp of the residency system. The digital rollout aims to streamline document processing and reduce in-person bureaucracy, explains Euro Weekly News.

---

Crime & Policing

Man Seriously Injured in Machete Attack on Calle Vianda

A violent attack in central Valencia left one man seriously injured, reports Las Provincias. Police are investigating what led to the assault.

Narco Money Laundered Through Airbnb Rentals?

A criminal network linked to the Port may have been rehabilitating neglected flats in Cabanyal to launder money through holiday rentals, writes Las Provincias.

Six-Year-Old Dies After Dental Visit in Alzira

A dental clinic in Alzira has been shut down after a six-year-old girl died following anesthesia for oral surgery, reports El País. A second child, aged four, remains hospitalized. Authorities are investigating.

Listeria Alert Expands to Seven Serrano Products

Consumers are advised to check packaging after a listeria alert was issued for seven Cárnicas Serrano products, reports Las Provincias.

---

City Life

Big Changes for Valencia’s Trains

The long-awaited Mediterranean Corridor — a high-speed rail link between Barcelona and Valencia — is set to open by 2027, reports El País. The line will eventually extend to Almería.

There is also a new proposal for an additional stop on the Valencia–Madrid high-speed line, writes Las Provincias.

Valencia Risks Losing Funds Without a Low-Emission Zone

The city’s latest plan for a low-emission zone failed to advance, putting EU funding at risk, reports El País.

Why Are Young Valencians Leaving?

Despite improved economic indicators, young Valencians continue to leave the region in search of better work opportunities. Interviews published by Valencia Plaza highlight frustrations with wages, career progression, and working conditions.

---

That’s it for the weekly news. I’ll have more on weekend plans on Thursday — including Christmas fireworks, markets, and the first lights of the season.