On Saturday, November 9th, the streets of Valencia will echo with calls for accountability. Citizens, backed by a coalition of over twenty organisations, will gather under the banner ‘Mazón, Resign’ to protest what they see as a grievous mismanagement of the recent destructive storm, DANA, by the Valencian government.
The devastating storm that hit Valencia on October 29th claimed the lives of 223 people, 215 of whom were in Valencia, and left 50 missing. Thousands of hectares of land and 33,000 homes suffered damage. Consequently, early estimates suggesting that recovery could cost as much as €2.6 billion. Anger over the perceived failures in managing this crisis has only intensified over the last ten days, culminating in this weekend’s protest.
Mismanagement and delayed response
Protest organisers accuse President Carlos Mazón and his administration of responding late and ineffectively to the crisis. Reports suggest that the Valencian government was slow to act even as forecasts made the severity of the incoming storm clear. As the streets filled with floodwater, President Mazón’s leadership became a subject of controversy. Critics are branding his response as both tardy and inadequate.
Among the key grievances of the protestors is the decision to keep schools open in affected areas despite power outages, a choice attributed to the Valencian Minister of Education. Many parents were left struggling to ensure their children’s safety amid chaos. Similarly, accusations of negligence have been levelled at companies that insisted their employees continue to work despite severe risks.
A call for accountability and change
The protest, beginning at 6:00 pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and proceeding to the Palau de la Generalitat, aims to spotlight the failings in the current crisis management system. Organisers have also criticised the dismantling of the regional emergency unit, UVE, which they believe played a crucial role in exacerbating the impact of the storm.
Need to reassess disaster preparedness
In an impassioned statement, organisers expressed their solidarity with those affected, saying, “We demand effective solutions to address the root causes of such disasters. The inaction and poor planning of this government contributed significantly to the human and material losses.” The march is also a call to reassess disaster preparedness, particularly in the face of climate events that are likely to become more frequent.
The demonstration has drawn support from a wide array of civic groups. Each is urging more community members to join the movement. The collective voice calls for improved leadership, clearer protocols, and above all, accountability.
Also read: Climate crisis behind devastating Valencia floods, scientists confirm