The political alliance between the People's Party (PP) and Vox continues to solidify within the Valencian Parliament, igniting debate over cultural values and fiscal priorities. Recently, these parties have advocated for awarding the prestigious Alta Distinción de la Generalitat to the Madrid-based Fundación Toro de Lidia, citing its efforts to preserve bullfighting as a cultural heritage. This endorsement accompanies the declaration of "bous al carrer" as an Intangible Cultural Asset, further entrenching the practice within the region's cultural framework.

Despite the widespread critique, the Fundación Toro de Lidia is slated to receive another €300,000 this year from the Valencian Ministry of Culture. This allocation, originally introduced by former bullfighter and Vox member Vicente Barrera, persists under the stewardship of José Antonio Rovira from the PP. Barrera justified the selection of this foundation, led by cattle breeder Victorino Martín, based on its capability to organize a regional circuit for novice bullfighters, integrated into its National Novilladas League.

Established in 2015, this non-profit organization aims to promote, conserve, and defend bullfighting and the fighting bull. In 2022, it called for financial support due to economic challenges threatening the festival's continuity, highlighting the lack of public aid that the art form deserves. Subsequently, the Generalitat extended support following a coalition agreement between PP and Vox, although this political partnership dissolved last summer.

The Cultural Committee has also required the Spanish government to reinstate the National Bullfighting Prize, previously abolished by Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun. This proposal, driven by Vox and backed by the PP, faces opposition from the Socialist Party of the Valencian Country (PSPV) and Compromís.

Vox argues that bullfighting is a traditional, cultural, and economic engine, a sentiment echoed by the PP. However, critics challenge the decision to award the Generalitat's highest honor to what they describe as a "shady operation" already receiving €600,000 from the regional government.

Jesús Albiol, a Vox deputy, defended the initiative by highlighting the economic impact of "bous al carrer," attracting 820,000 annual attendees and generating over €300 million for the Valencian economy. He emphasized bullfighting as a significant cultural identity marker.

PP deputy Alejo Font de Mora expressed initial support for the proposal, citing bullfighting as an integral part of Valencian culture. He referenced historical acknowledgments of the tradition, such as its 2015 declaration as a BIC, which was later repealed by the left.

Conversely, socialist deputy José Luis Lorenz criticized the allocation of funds to a Madrid-based foundation while reducing support for local cultural entities like the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua. This statutory institution has reported financial "suffocation" due to a more than 25% budget cut, threatening its operational capacity and existence.

Compromís deputy Verónica Ruiz condemned the proposal as "nonsensical," accusing the PP and Vox of prioritizing bullfighting over broader cultural initiatives. She highlighted the foundation's past legal troubles and lack of financial transparency, including a 2023 ruling by the Castilla y León Superior Court mandating the return of an illegal 2020 subsidy.

Albiol rebutted that the issue lies with administrative shortcomings rather than the foundation itself, while accusing the left of seeking to undermine the national festival. Furthermore, PP and Vox dismissed a socialist request for an evaluation of university adaptations following the October 29 storm, arguing that the Generalitat has already taken appropriate measures.

In a rare consensus, the committee unanimously agreed to designate May 15 as Chess Day in the Valencian Community, a proposal driven by the PP.