In Valencia, Mónica Oltra’s planned return to front-line politics with Compromís is facing internal hurdles, with disagreements delaying her formal designation as the party’s candidate for the 2027 municipal elections.
Oltra, a former vice-president of the Valencian government, said nearly two months ago that she would accept the electoral slate for Valencia city. But the start of Compromís’ pre-campaign this weekend did not include her official presentation as a candidate, according to sources close to Oltra.
Those sources said they were angered by the omission and questioned whether her coalition partners truly support her bid for the city’s top office. Compromís leadership said it was surprised by the criticism and said the Valencia event focused on housing rights, unlike other events where mayoral candidates such as Verònica Ruiz in Castelló de la Plana took part.
Oltra’s camp disputes that reading, saying the coalition described the gathering as the “kick-off to electoral mobilisation for the 2027 municipal and regional elections”. They also said Oltra was informed about the event by email. Compromís leadership maintains that Oltra will lead the Valencia city slate, while Joan Baldoví is expected to seek the presidency of the Generalitat Valenciana.
The dispute also reflects deeper tensions inside Compromís, especially between Iniciativa del Poble Valencià, Oltra’s party, and Més. The disagreement centres on the coalition’s direction and its alliances, including whether to bring in Esquerra Unida, Sumar and Podem at municipal level, and whether that should extend to the Corts Valencianes and other local contests.
Més does not favour including Podem, especially at regional level, or changing the candidacy name to include other parties. The coalition also remains divided over leadership and influence, with Més now asserting its majority after years in which Iniciativa, despite having fewer members, had stronger electoral appeal through Oltra.
Despite the public friction, those familiar with the coalition say an agreement is still likely. Both sides know Oltra’s profile could help Compromís, and Oltra knows the coalition remains the project where she is most competitive. For now, the question is whether the parties can settle their differences before the 2027 race gathers pace.