Carlos Mazón, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, has entered a surprising agreement with the far-right party Vox to secure the regional budget for 2025. This decision comes as Mazón faces increasing pressure from judicial investigations related to his management during the floods in the region, and amid a noticeable lack of support from within his own Partido Popular (PP).

The agreement has drawn particular attention due to its alignment with Vox's platforms on immigration and environmental policies.

In a recent statement, Mazón advocated for transparency regarding the nationalities of individuals arrested for looting during the emergency following the floods on October 29, reflecting Vox's hardline stance on immigration.

Additionally, he expressed opposition to the European Green Deal, urging action against the policy framework that has been supported by his party at the European level.

The national leadership of the PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has acknowledged Mazón's agreement with Vox but has attempted to distance itself from any implications that may relate to Mazón’s continuity in office.

Party sources emphasized that securing a budget does not equate to political security for Mazón, pointing to ongoing investigations that may impact his position.

The sovereignty of Mazón's leadership appears precarious, dependent on the outcomes of judicial proceedings, including the upcoming testimony of former Interior Minister Salomé Pradas, who is under investigation for her role in managing the emergency response to the floods.

Her statements before the court on April 11 are anticipated to play a critical role in determining Mazón's future.

Despite the precarious nature of his governance, Mazón's cooperation with Vox has required the PP's central leadership to back the deal.

The party's spokesperson, Borja Sémper, avoided questions regarding the extent to which this budget agreement solidifies Mazón’s leadership, reiterating that the challenges facing the President extend beyond financial considerations.

He emphasized that the PP supports ecological transition but opposes any policies perceived as detrimental to farmers.

Furthermore, the demands made by Vox, including significant cuts to development cooperation and a reduction in funding for the Valencian language promotion, indicate a broader rightward shift in regional politics.

While this collaborative agreement may initially provide Mazón with a lifeline, it has sparked internal controversy within the PP, where leaders fear the potential implications of aligning too closely with Vox.

Observers within the party have expressed concerns that Mazón's actions could complicate efforts to distance the PP from extreme-right politics.

However, there remains a feeling among some that the agreement was a strategic move to prevent the left from gaining control of the regional government.

As negotiations for public finances progress across the regions where PP collaborates with Vox, the outcome in Valencia may set a precedent for future budget discussions in other autonomous communities where similar dynamics are at play.