Thousands of people in Spain gathered in the streets of Valencia Saturday, demanding the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón, who was in charge of emergency response during devastating floods that took over 200 lives. The floods, which struck the region on the night of October 29, resulted in 20 deaths, with about 80 people still missing.
Protesters expressed their outrage at the government’s handling of the disaster and demanded the resignation of Mazón. According to reports, they claimed that his administration didn’t send alerts on mobile phones of citizens prior to the flood.
At Least 1,30,000 Protestors Join The Protest
The regional government has also come under fire due to a delay in action, despite warnings from the State Meteorological Agency, five days in advance about the possibility of a heavy rainstorm. Officials estimated that about 130,000 attended the protest.
Protestors Clash With Riot Police
Tensions flared in Valencia as protesters clashed with riot police outside the city hall at the start of their march reports added. The authorities retaliated with police batons against demonstrators. During this, many protesters raised homemade signs and chanted “Mazón resign,” while one banner at the site read – “Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood.”
Protestors Dump Muddy Boots Outside Council Building
Some protesters, in a gesture of defiance, reportedly dumped muddy boots in front of the council building, according to a report by The Guardian. Regional President Carlos Mazón earlier told À Punt, there would be no time to hold public officials responsible, but first comes the need to “clean our streets, help people and rebuild.” People perceive that the Conservative Popular Party’s leader Mazon, is also being criticized for a poor and chaotic response to the floods.
