The Generalitat Valenciana, under President Carlos Mazón, has announced a major governmental restructuring. This follows criticism of the management of the devastating DANA (isolated heavy rain event) on October 29.
The move includes the dismissal of Salomé Pradas, the former Minister of Justice and Interior, who faced scrutiny for her handling of the emergency response.
Pradas’ dismissal amid controversy
As reported by El Diario, Salomé Pradas, who assumed her role as Minister of Justice and Interior earlier this year, has been at the centre of criticism for delays and mismanagement during the DANA crisis. The emergency, which caused severe flooding and significant damage in the Valencia region, highlighted gaps in emergency preparedness and response.
Key criticisms include delays in deploying emergency alerts and inadequate coordination of resources during the disaster. Audio recordings released after the event contradicted Pradas’ claims about her knowledge of available emergency systems, undermining her credibility.
The Generalitat has now appointed Juan Carlos Valderrama, a doctor in Medicine and Surgery, to lead the newly separated Ministry of Emergencies and Interior. Nuria Martínez Sanchis, a legal scholar, will head the Ministry of Justice.
The political fallout of the DANA crisis
The DANA highlighted systemic issues within the emergency management framework of the Valencian government. According to El Diario, Pradas lacked experience in managing crises of this magnitude, leading to significant delays in critical decision-making. On the day of the emergency, the Coordination Centre (Cecopi) was reportedly inactive for hours. This inevitably delayed the deployment of crucial resources.
President Mazón, also criticised for his handling of the situation, maintained his public schedule on the day of the DANA, attending a meeting focused on regional television instead of prioritising the unfolding crisis. His late arrival at Cecopi further postponed decisions during a critical period.
Restructuring the Generalitat
As part of the restructuring, the Generalitat has been reorganised to better address economic recovery and future crises. The updated council now includes:
- Francisco José Gan Pampols: Vice President for Economic and Social Recovery
- Juan Carlos Valderrama: Minister of Emergencies and Interior
- Nuria Martínez Sanchis: Minister of Justice
- Marián Cano: Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism
- Susana Camarero: Spokesperson and Minister of Social Services
Other ministers remain in their positions, with the focus shifting to economic and social recovery.
https://x.com/carlos_mazon_/status/1859575515620802610
Future implications
The dismissal of Pradas and the broader restructuring mark a pivotal moment for Mazón’s administration as it attempts to recover from the political fallout of the DANA crisis. These changes are part of a broader effort to restore public trust and demonstrate accountability in the face of unprecedented challenges.
While the new appointments bring fresh expertise, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to address the structural weaknesses exposed by the DANA.
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