Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a comprehensive €10.6 billion aid package to support regions devastated by the recent DANA floods. In his first press briefing on the crisis, Sánchez highlighted the government’s swift response from “the first minute”.
With this first aid package, the Prime Minister aims to provide vital relief for affected communities. Sánchez’s announcement follows criticisms from Carlos Mazón, the President of the Valencian Generalitat. Mazón has questioned the speed and scale of central government involvement. Sánchez avoided direct confrontation with Mazón. However, he subtly pointed to delays at the regional administration level. He suggested that the government’s significant emergency resources—including nearly 15,000 deployed personnel—were ready to mobilise but required formal requests from regional authorities. Sánchez explained that bypassing the Generalitat’s command in this crisis would have only created further challenges.
“A centralised takeover would have reduced efficiency,” Sánchez stated. “The Generalitat knows its citizens’ needs better than anyone. We’ve aimed for a collaborative approach throughout, ensuring swift action where needed.”
Massive aid package and budget adjustments
The government’s emergency relief package, recently approved by the Council of Ministers, includes direct support for affected individuals, business recovery, and infrastructure repairs. Sánchez highlighted that these funds will be allocated through a special decree and urged cross-party support for a new budget to manage the significant fiscal impact. While some of these funds will be sought from the European Union, others will draw on national reserves, underscoring the need for fresh budgetary allocations.
“We’re looking at substantial figures here—€10.6 billion—and part of this will come from our public accounts, impacting our deficit and debt,” Sánchez explained. “That’s why a new budget has become even more critical.”
The Prime Minister’s budget proposal, which has faced opposition from the PP, will now require focused negotiations with coalition partners. The hope is for swift approval, especially as the funds support immediate flood recovery.
Climate crisis and combatting misinformation
Addressing the severe environmental toll, Sánchez condemned climate change denial and disinformation campaigns that have gained traction online. “Climate change is a reality. It’s lethal, as we’re tragically witnessing here,” Sánchez said.
When asked about the recent confrontation he faced from protestors in Paiporta, Sánchez downplayed the incident. He differentiated between genuine community grievances and orchestrated attacks from far-right groups. “I’m focused on what matters—supporting citizens and addressing their needs,” he stated. Meanwhile, he expressed gratitude for the public’s solidarity and pledging continued efforts for recovery.
Future response efforts
In the meantime, officials report that the presence of deployed personnel is improving on-the-ground conditions and reducing incidents of looting in affected areas. Sánchez reiterated his commitment to mobilise whatever resources are necessary to aid recovery. He also highlighted that his government remains committed to longer-term climate and disaster resilience. The Prime Minister closed by stating that the immediate recovery and new budget priorities represent “the most effective path” for Spain’s economic and environmental stability in the face of climate-induced challenges