VALENCIA — Tens of thousands of people took to the streets for the third time since devastating floods struck the Valencia region on October 29, demanding the resignation of Carlos Mazón, President of the Generalitat. This latest manifestation occurred precisely two months after the disaster, coinciding with efforts to draw attention to the government's inadequacies concerning recovery and aid for the victims.
According to the Delegación del Gobierno, approximately 80,000 demonstrators marched through the heart of Valencia, significantly lower than the 130,000 attendees on November 9, who turned out just ten days after the catastrophe. The protest marched under the banner "Mazón dimisión" (Mazón resignation), displaying messages of anger and grief, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The floods, triggered by the heavy rains characteristic of the DANA (DANA refers to the blood rain phenomena), resulted in at least 223 confirmed deaths and left many communities grappling with devastating losses and unmet recovery needs. Despite promises of assistance, many affected individuals continue to struggle for basic necessities, such as housing, amid claims of bureaucratic inefficiency and insufficient governmental action.
During the march, the attendees carried banners and placards, including one featuring Mazón depicted beyond mockery, labeled as "the president with blood on his hands." Tractors led the procession, serving as tributes to local farmers who have played substantial roles in recovery efforts. Organizers represent around 60 civic groups, social organizations, and leftist entities, articulately voicing demands for truth, justice, and reparations.
The demonstrators criticized Mazón's leadership, placing blame directly on him for the tragedy's magnitude. A manifesto shared by the organizing platform expressed concerns about the lack of support for those affected, mentioning, "Two months have passed since this tragedy, yet basic needs are still unmet, and we cannot move on until he and his council resign.'
Participants expressed similar sentiments, with many echoing concerns about the precarious housing situations and the rising dangers of disease due to prolonged exposure to flood conditions.
Mar Bueno, one of the protest's spokespeople, voiced the shared emotions, stating, "The responsibilities must be made clear, and we will not cease until the accountable parties, especially Mazón, step down." Another spokesperson, Alexandra Usó, noted the protest also serves as homage to the local agricultural workers who tirelessly cleared the mud and debris from neighborhoods when emergency services failed to respond swiftly.
Alongside the activist organizations, families of victims joined the march, demanding justice and accountability. Among them was Aitana Martínez, whose grandfather was one of the flood's victims. She lamented, "I’m here to defend him and to demand justice because there are no calls from officials—not now, not ever.” Many others spoke of the agonizing wait for assistance and aid, with some implying governmental negligence by referencing how no one had contacted them post-disaster.
Three people are still unaccounted for, and the search for their bodies continues. This is compounded by accusations against the government for failing to communicate effectively during the initial flood warnings. Protesters highlighted their frustration over repeat claims by Mazón about the mealtime he shared with journalists when rescue efforts should have been prioritized, insistent upon noting how others were suffering floods whilst he dined out.
Echoing through the protest were chants directed at the president, “Mazón to the prison!” highlighting the growing urgency for accountability. They portrayed the pain suffered through empty seats at family tables this Christmas, with 226 empty seats representing those lost. The continued demonstrations call for more than just Mazón’s resignation—they demand accountability for the systemic failures observed during the emergency response.
This latest gathering included supporters from all walks of life, including local government representatives from opposition parties, who denounced Mazón’s failures as leader. José Muñoz, spokesperson for the PSPV, remarked, "The people demand answers for the president's negligence. He must clarify his whereabouts on those fateful days of flooding and face the consequences of his actions — or lack thereof." Protesters have signaled their intention to hold these demonstrations monthly until justice is served, ensuring the memory of their lost loved ones lives on.