Massive Demonstration in Valencia, Spain Against Government Response to Devastating Floods

Massive Demonstration in Valencia, Spain Against Government Response to Devastating Floods

Valencia, Spain, witnessed a⁤ massive protest condemning the authorities’ response⁢ to a devastating‍ natural disaster. Demonstrators demanded accountability for the mishandling of⁢ the crisis.

The city center was packed with ⁤protesters on Saturday night, leading to clashes ⁢with‌ riot police ⁣near Valencia’s city ‌hall. Videos captured police using⁤ batons to ​disperse ⁤marchers heading ⁤towards the ⁣regional government’s headquarters.

In Spain, regional governments are responsible​ for civil protection and can‍ seek additional support from the national government​ in Madrid.

Carlos Mazon, Valencia’s current conservative leader, is under ‍pressure to resign as his administration failed to issue flood ⁢warnings promptly. He defended his actions by citing unforeseeable circumstances and blamed Madrid for inadequate ⁣communication.

Despite Spain’s weather agency issuing a red alert early on Tuesday morning, Mazon’s administration delayed ⁢sending alerts to residents until much later. The slow and ‍disorganized response has drawn criticism as the‌ death toll from‌ the disaster continues‌ to rise.

People⁤ hold placards as civil groups and unions protest against Valencia’s regional leader Carlos Mazon ⁣ [Eva Manez/Reuters]

In severely affected areas outside Valencia, volunteers‍ were quicker in providing aid than official ‌forces mobilized by the government⁣ days⁤ later. Protest banners accused authorities of negligence with slogans‍ like “You killed us!” echoing through the streets.

Post from​ www.aljazeera.com

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