Over 100,000 people have taken to the streets of Valencia to protest the authorities' mismanagement of the fatal floods, demanding the regional head, Carlos Mazón's resignation. 

Spanish news media outlets estimated that at least 130,000 protested in Valencia, accusing their government and authorities of negligence and misconduct, expressing their frustration and chanting slogans such as "We are stained with mud, you are stained with blood."

The Valencia floods, caused by torrential rain earlier this month, left at least a staggering 217 dead, with 80 others still missing. Authorities were blamed for issuing flood warnings after it was too late, while protesters clashed with law enforcement. 

Angry demonstrators also pelted the City Hall with mud, while others hurled chairs and other objects. 

However, officials were quick to condemn the demonstrations, as city mayor María José Catalá denounced acts of vandalism, such as breaking windows, saying they were "not the solution." Valencia City Council echoed Catalá's condemnations, saying the city was also affected by the floods. 

Anna Oliver, one of the protesters, spoke to Reuters, saying "We want to show our indignation and anger over the poor management of this disaster which has affected so many people."

A massive demonstration in Valencia is demanding Carlos Mazón’s resignation, protesting his handling of the catastrophic flooding in the region.pic.twitter.com/cBgv4LgfiS

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 9, 2024

Spain King, Queen, PM pelted with mud in flood-hit Valencia

Anger and frustration over the Spanish government's response to devastating floods boiled over on Sunday when locals in the hardest-hit areas hurled mud and insults at Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Locals vented their anger, calling the government representatives "murderers" for their perceived inaction. As mud was thrown, the royal family and Prime Minister Sanchez were forced to leave as citizens voiced a sense of abandonment and dissatisfaction with the government. 

King Felipe VI later addressed the nation, urging Spain to "understand the anger and frustration" felt by those affected by the disaster. In a social media post, he appealed for calm and unity, promising that the government and emergency response teams would work to "give the victims hope and their guarantee that the state in its entirety is present."

Sanchez and Valencia's regional leader Carlos Mazon have taken the lion's share of the criticism. Mazon acknowledged the public outrage in a statement on X, saying, "I understand the social anger, and of course, I'm here to receive it. This is my political and moral obligation." His remarks followed mounting accusations of negligence on the government's end, which many believe resulted in unnecessary casualties.

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