What's happened
Following catastrophic floods in Valencia that claimed over 220 lives, protests have erupted demanding the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón. Demonstrators criticize the government's slow response and failure to issue timely flood alerts, leading to clashes with police and calls for accountability.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, 'Public anger has surged over the authorities’ handling of the disaster,' highlighting the significant backlash against Mazón. The Independent notes that protesters chanted 'You killed us!' as they demanded accountability, reflecting deep frustration with the government's response. Politico reported that Mazón has promised a parliamentary inquiry, stating, 'Valencians have the right to know everything that happened.' This sentiment is echoed across multiple sources, indicating a unified call for change in disaster management practices.
How we got here
The floods, which began on October 29, 2024, were triggered by unprecedented rainfall, leading to significant loss of life and property. Criticism has mounted against local authorities for their handling of the emergency, particularly regarding the delayed issuance of flood alerts.
More on these topics
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Carlos Arturo Mazón Guixot is a Spanish People's Party politician. He was elected president of the Provincial Deputation of the Province of Alicante in 2019 and has led the People's Party of the Valencian Community since 2021, leading them to victory in
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.