In the wake of devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, tens of thousands of residents have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón.
The floods, which began on the night of October 29, claimed the lives of over 220 people, with nearly 80 still missing.
Protesters are furious over the delayed and insufficient response from Mazón’s government, particularly the failure to issue timely mobile alerts, despite a forecast from the State Meteorological Agency warning of an unprecedented rainstorm days before.
The frustration over the administration’s handling of the crisis is palpable.
Demonstrators, with some carrying signs that read “You killed us” or “Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood,” have expressed their anger at what they see as the government’s lack of preparation.
Demonstrators hold signs accusing the government of failing to act during catastrophic floods.As residents marched through Valencia, there were clashes with riot police, as authorities attempted to contain the protests.
Mazón, of the conservative Popular Party, has faced intense criticism for what many perceive as a slow, chaotic response.
The regional leader defended the government’s actions, stating that now is the time to focus on cleanup and recovery, but he acknowledged the future need for accountability.
Volunteers, however, were the first to provide aid, reaching the hardest-hit areas on the outskirts of the city before official reinforcements arrived.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about climate change, with environmental groups like Greenpeace Spain urging fossil fuel companies to take responsibility for contributing to such natural disasters.
The situation has also revived calls for greater investment in flood prevention, with previous proposals being voted down by the government.
The anger over the flood response reflects broader frustrations about preparedness and accountability in the face of climate change.