Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón of the People’s Party (PP), acknowledged on Friday shortcomings in managing Spain’s deadliest floods in decades.
“I will not deny mistakes,” Mazón admitted during a speech in the regional parliament, adding that he would not shy away from responsibility. He apologized to those who felt that aid during the floods was “insufficient or delayed.” Outside the parliament, dozens of protesters gathered, chanting slogans demanding his resignation.
The late October floods, caused by torrential rains, claimed at least 224 lives across Spain, with the Valencia region suffering the most severe impact, accounting for 216 fatalities.
The destruction was immense, with damages running into tens of billions of euros. Roads, infrastructure, homes, and vehicles were devastated. Many survivors in the region have expressed anger at authorities for failing to issue timely warnings and coordinate adequate rescue and relief efforts.
Tensions reached a peak earlier this month in the town of Paiporta, where crowds hurled mud and objects at King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during their visit. In response, Sánchez pledged several billion euros in aid to support recovery efforts.
