As reported by various news outlets, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia encountered strong resistance from angry locals during their visit to Paiporta, Valencia. This town is one of the regions devastated by recent floods, which have tragically claimed over 200 lives and caused widespread destruction.
The royal visit, intended as a gesture of solidarity, instead became a flashpoint for locals’ anger and frustration over what they see as a lack of timely warnings and sufficient government support.
Unprecedented flooding and unrest
The recent floods, among Spain’s deadliest in decades, have ravaged numerous neighbourhoods across eastern and southern Spain, leaving homes and streets buried in mud and filled with debris. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors and clearing areas, while the death toll continues to rise. Over 217 people are confirmed dead, with many still missing, particularly in Valencia, the hardest-hit region. Residents have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the official response, voicing their feelings of abandonment.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia confronted by angry crowds
When King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrived in Paiporta, residents greeted them with hostile chants, throwing mud and objects as they walked through the muddy streets. According to various news sources, protesters shouted accusations of neglect and demanded accountability, with some calling out, “Killers!” and “Shame on you!” Television footage showed a crowd overwhelming the royal entourage and security detail, chanting and hurling mud, while the King and Queen remained calm and attempted to engage with the angry citizens. At one point, King Felipe comforted some residents, even embracing one who appeared to be in tears.
Despite efforts by the King and Queen to connect with locals, many residents saw the visit as an unwanted display rather than a meaningful intervention. Some accused authorities of restricting local volunteers’ involvement during the visit, which further inflamed tensions.
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Security struggles to maintain order
As the situation escalated, security forces struggled to protect the royals amid the unrest. Guardia Civil officers and mounted police were called in to disperse the crowd, but their presence only seemed to heighten the intensity of the protests. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, also present during the visit, was forced to leave the scene following a physical altercation in which he reportedly sustained a minor injury from a stick. His departure only fuelled locals’ frustration, as many felt the visit highlighted a disconnect between officials and the needs of those affected by the tragedy.
Political backlash and local criticism
The visit drew sharp criticism from local politicians and advocacy groups. Juan Bordera, a member of the Valencian parliament, called the King’s visit “a very bad decision,” suggesting that it was poorly timed and did not address the pressing needs of flood victims. Valencian political group Compromís echoed this sentiment, stating that the royal visit “ignored the concerns and suffering of thousands of Valencians who need immediate solutions.” They described the protests as a “reflection of widespread discontent” and criticised the government’s “negligent management” of the flood crisis.
Also read: Wave of solidarity sweeps into Southern Valencia´s disaster zone