For the fourth time, demonstrators filled the streets of Valencia on Saturday, calling for the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón. Protesters accused his government of mishandling the deadly floods that devastated the region in October.
Thousands of people participated in the march, demanding accountability for the catastrophic response to the natural disaster. More than 200 civic, social, and trade union organizations coordinated the demonstration, showing widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s actions.
Thousands Protest Government’s Handling of Deadly Floods
Though smaller than previous demonstrations, officials estimated that 25,000 people joined the Valencia protest on Saturday. The flooding in October left 224 people dead and thousands homeless, intensifying public anger over the government’s delayed response.
Mazón and his administration faced heavy criticism for failing to send flood alerts to residents’ phones until hours after the disaster began. Many believed that government inaction contributed to unnecessary loss of life.
The response to the flooding also appeared disorganized. Volunteers were the first to reach many of the worst-hit southern Valencia neighborhoods, while official reinforcements arrived days later. The regional government requested police and military support, but many believed the deployment came too late.
Delays in Aid Fuel Public Outrage
Residents struggling with costly rebuilding efforts have also expressed frustration over slow government aid. Many affected families are still waiting for promised financial assistance to recover from widespread destruction.
Mazón, a member of the conservative Popular Party, defended his administration’s response, arguing that the scale of the disaster was unforeseeable. He also claimed that central authorities failed to provide timely warnings about the severity of the flooding.
Despite these justifications, public outrage continues to grow. The disaster killed 224 people and displaced thousands, leaving many demanding greater accountability from the regional government. Valencia now faces one of the worst flooding disasters in Europe, highlighting the urgent need for improved disaster response measures.
