An angry crowd confronted Spanish royals and officials during a visit to Paiporta. Residents threw mud and hurled insults, reflecting the town’s frustration after last week’s devastating floods. The disaster, which ravaged several Spanish regions, claimed at least 211 lives. Paiporta, a town near Valencia, experienced some of the worst destruction.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia faced immediate hostility upon arrival. Residents shouted “murderers!” and “get out, get out!” to express their outrage. The crowd blamed government authorities for failing to provide sufficient support. Security personnel raised umbrellas to shield the royals from flying debris. Local police, including mounted officers, quickly intervened to restore order and protect the officials.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, overwhelmed by the public backlash, left the scene amid heckling. Valencia President Carlos Mazon followed shortly after. Unlike them, King Felipe and Queen Letizia stayed, trying to connect with the affected residents. They listened to grievances, hoping to demonstrate solidarity. Despite these efforts, police eventually escorted them away after roughly 30 minutes for safety reasons.
Royals Meet Emergency Teams Before Visiting Chiva
Earlier that day, King Felipe and Queen Letizia met emergency responders working tirelessly in the flood-affected regions. They expressed gratitude for the teams’ efforts to aid affected communities. Following their tense visit to Paiporta, the royals planned to continue their tour in Chiva, another town hit hard by the floods.
The visit spotlighted growing tension between Spain’s government and its flood-stricken communities. Residents demanded accountability and faster recovery efforts. The crowd’s emotional response underscored the urgent need for effective disaster management and stronger support systems after such a catastrophic event.