A wave of anger and frustration swept through Valencia on Saturday as thousands of Spaniards marched, demanding the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón. Their protest, a powerful display of public discontent, stemmed from the devastating floods that claimed the lives of over 200 people and left a trail of destruction across the region. The floods, which struck on the night of October 29, sparked outrage over the government’s response, perceived as sluggish and inadequate.
Protesters, many visibly shaken by the tragedy, voiced their outrage at the lack of timely warnings. They accused the government of failing to send alerts to citizens’ phones hours before the floodwaters began to rise, a lapse in communication that they believed contributed to the devastating loss of life. The regional government also faced criticism for its inaction despite warnings from the State Meteorological Agency five days prior, predicting an unprecedented rainstorm.
The anger was palpable as protesters clashed with riot police outside Valencia’s city hall at the start of their march. The authorities responded with batons to push back the crowd. Throughout the demonstration, protestors held homemade signs and chanted “Mazón resign,” their voices a chorus of anger and grief. One banner, a stark symbol of their pain, read: “Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood.” In a powerful display of defiance, some protesters dumped muddy boots outside the council building, a visual testament to their discontent with the government’s handling of the crisis.
Despite the public outcry, Mazón, a member of the conservative Popular Party, has refused to resign. He maintains his focus on the restoration process, stating that “there will be time to hold officials accountable” but that now “is time to keep cleaning our streets, helping people and rebuilding.” He insists that he respects the marches but remains steadfast in his current priorities.
Mazón’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny for what is perceived as a slow and chaotic response to the floods. Local volunteers were the first to respond to the unfolding crisis, highlighting the lack of immediate government action. It took days for officials to mobilize the thousands of police reinforcements and soldiers that the regional government requested from central authorities.
The criticism surrounding Mazón’s response extends to his government’s handling of past warnings about the risk of flooding. In September 2023, members of Compromís, a leftwing alliance in the Valencian regional parliament, presented a proposal aimed at addressing the issue of flooding in the region. However, the proposal was rejected by Mazón’s government.
Eva Saldaña of Greenpeace Spain has called for oil and gas companies to be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis, arguing that these industries have been aware of the looming threat for decades. She suggests that they should “foot the bill” for this natural disaster, a sentiment echoed by many who see the floods as a stark warning of the consequences of inaction on climate change.
The protests in Valencia are a powerful reminder of the profound impact of natural disasters and the public’s demand for accountability from those in power. As the region begins the long and arduous process of rebuilding, the questions surrounding the government’s handling of the floods, and the political future of Mazón, are likely to continue to dominate public discourse.
