Tens of thousands protest in Valencia over flood response failures

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Valencia, Spain, on Saturday to demand the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón, criticizing his handling of the deadly floods that devastated the region in October. The protest, organized by numerous unions and civil society groups, underscored lingering anger and grief four months after the disaster claimed 232 lives, including 224 in the eastern Valencia region—the deadliest natural disaster in Spain in decades.

Protesters, many carrying photos of loved ones lost in the floods, marched behind a banner reading, “Our relatives died due to your incompetence.” Chants of “Mazón resign” echoed through the streets, while signs with slogans such as “Mazón in prison,” “Murderers,” and “We don’t forgive, we don’t forget” highlighted the intensity of the public outrage. A striking cardboard cutout of Mazón with blood-stained hands symbolized the protesters' accusations of negligence.

The central government’s office in Valencia estimated the turnout at approximately 30,000 people.

Criticism over flood response

In Spain's decentralized political system, regional governments are responsible for emergency management, placing Mazón at the center of scrutiny. His administration’s response to the October floods has been widely condemned as inadequate. A mass alert warning residents of the impending floodwaters was reportedly sent only after the deluge had already begun, leaving many unprepared. Stranded residents went days without food, water, or electricity as floodwaters ravaged homes and infrastructure.

Controversy over Mazón's actions

Mazón further inflamed tensions this week when he offered conflicting accounts of his whereabouts on October 29, the day torrential rains triggered the floods. Protesters accused him of dishonesty, with some saying his statements revealed a lack of accountability.

“He’s a liar, and he doesn’t even know how to keep up with his own lies,” said Inma Manez, a 66-year-old retiree attending the protest. Amparo Alamar, a 64-year-old teacher, echoed this sentiment: “No one wanted this. But lying and getting caught—contradicting yourself—that’s unacceptable.”

Political fallout

The ruling Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has called on Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of Mazón's conservative Popular Party (PP), to remove him from office. Science Minister Diana Morant described Mazón as "toxic" and urged Feijóo to take decisive action, stating that his removal would alleviate the “unbearable situation” in the region.

However, PP spokesman Miguel Tellado accused the Socialists of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes, denouncing their actions as “the crudest, lowest form of politics.”

Mazón, for his part, has resisted calls to resign, pledging to see through the recovery and rebuilding efforts until the end of his term in 2027.

Escalating protests

Saturday’s demonstration marks the fifth major protest against Mazón since the floods, with public discontent showing no signs of abating. The wave of anti-Mazón demonstrations began in November, when 130,000 people marched in Valencia to express their outrage. This sustained pressure highlights the region’s demand for accountability and better crisis management in the face of future disasters.