What's happened
Following devastating floods in Valencia that have killed at least 217 people, King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faced intense public anger during a visit to the affected area. Locals criticized the government's slow response and lack of adequate warnings, leading to protests and calls for accountability.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Rachel Hagan from The Independent, the public's anger was palpable during the royal visit, with locals shouting 'murderers' at officials. Hagan notes that the king's decision to engage with the crowd, despite the hostility, could redefine his reign. Meanwhile, Graham Keeley highlights the physical altercations that occurred, with bodyguards injured and the prime minister's car damaged, emphasizing the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the visit. Joseph Wilson adds that the king's mud-streaked appearance became an iconic moment, symbolizing the depth of public frustration with the government's handling of the disaster. The Independent's coverage collectively illustrates a significant disconnect between the authorities and the affected communities, raising questions about accountability and future governance.
How we got here
Spain has experienced its worst flooding in decades, with torrential rains triggering catastrophic conditions. The government has been criticized for inadequate warnings and slow emergency responses, leading to significant loss of life and property damage.
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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.
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Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón is a Spanish politician serving as Prime Minister of Spain since 2 June 2018. On 7 January 2020, Pedro Sanchez was confirmed by the Congress of Deputies as Prime Minister with a lead of just two votes, heading the first coa
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Paiporta (Valencian pronunciation: [pajˈpɔɾta]) is a municipality of Spain belonging to the province of Valencia and the Valencian Community. It is part of the comarca of Horta Sud.
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