In a visit to the storm-ravaged regions of Chiva and Utiel in the province of Valencia, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia received a markedly different reception compared to the hostility they encountered in Paiporta two weeks ago.
This time, the mood was calm, with the crowd cheering the royal couple and directing any criticism instead towards the regional leader, President Carlos Mazón. The trip on Tuesday morning took place in Chiva, a small town heavily affected by the devastating DANA storm on 29 October. A hundred or so locals, mostly elderly women, waited outside the town hall for the royals’ arrival. Unlike the earlier visit of the Kings to Paiporta, where protestors hurled mud and insults, no such incidents marred this visit. The atmosphere was noticeably more restrained, with cheers for the King and Queen. Meanwhile, cries for President Mazón’s resignation echoed in the background. “Mazón, resign!” some residents shouted, while others chanted, “Long live the King and Queen of Spain!”.
Felipe VI and Letizia took time to greet the assembled crowd, shaking hands with several onlookers. Meanwhile, Mazón, who accompanied them along with Chiva’s mayor Amparo Fort, trailed behind with a solemn expression.
Solidarity amid tragedy
The towns of Chiva and Utiel have been struggling to recover from the tragic effects of the storm that claimed more than 200 lives across the province, including eight deaths in Chiva alone. The royal couple later visited Utiel, where they were again welcomed warmly, with only sporadic protests against President Mazón. A small group even held up a Republican flag, chanting “Long live the Republic”, to which some responded with an opposing “Long live the King”.
Felipe: ‘Spain is with the victims’
During the visit, King Felipe addressed local media. He stressed the importance of “working shoulder to shoulder” to support those impacted by the storm. “It’s crucial that the victims feel Spain is with them,” he remarked. He added that while there’s still much work to be done, the country must unite to provide timely support. The visit concluded with a journey to Letur, where they were accompanied by regional officials, receiving similar gestures of support. The people of Letur showed their appreciation. They took photos and cheered the couple as they toured areas significant to the storm’s aftermath.