King Felipe VI faces anger of flood victims in Valencia

The King of Spain, Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia undertook an emotional visit to Paiporta, one of the municipalities worst affected by the recent devastating floods that claimed the lives of at least 217 people. Accompanied by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the president of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazon, the royal couple faced an angry crowd, expressing their frustration and distress at a disaster that has rocked the region.

A stormy reception for the royal couple

Greeted by shouts of “Murderers!” and mud throwing, the dignitaries quickly became aware of the anger prevailing among residents, who criticize the authorities for a lack of responsiveness and measures deemed insufficient in the face of the flood emergency. Videos broadcast by several local channels show tense scenes, with residents expressing their dismay by shouting “Mazón, resign!” and “How many more dead?”. One resident, addressing Queen Letizia directly, declared: “You, you don’t lack water”, illustrating the feeling of abandonment felt by some disaster victims.

Despite the tensions, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia tried to talk to the locals, in an effort to calm things down. However, the situation did not allow the delegation to extend their presence, and the schedule of the visit was adapted to reach another town in the region, Chiva, later in the day.

Carlos Mazon took to the social network X to respond to the anger: “I understand the social indignation and I’m here to hear it. It’s both my political and moral duty.” Hailing the King’s attitude in the face of adversity, Mazon also recalled that clearance and search efforts for the missing are continuing throughout the region, with the majority of victims counted in the vicinity of Valencia.