Tension flares at the state funeral for the victims of the DANA storm, and some family members shout "traitor and murderer" in Mazón.

Valencia / BarcelonaThe start of the state funeral for the victims of the October 29th storm was disrupted by shouts of "murderers and traitors" from some family members as they watched on screens the authorities greeting a group of the victims' families and arriving at the room where the funeral was being held. Following the scheduled timetable, at 5:37 p.m., Mazón and the mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, arrived. At 5:44 p.m., Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived, followed by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who, minutes later, greeted a group of the victims' families. Felipe VI and Sánchez participated in the greeting, but Mazón did not, as the families had requested.

After the reading of the names of the 237 victims of the DANA storm and Maria's musical performance, the speeches by the victims' families began. The first to speak was Andrea Ferrari, who lost her mother in the disaster. The young woman thanked the volunteers and victims' associations "for channeling the pain" and demanding "justice." "May love, respect, and humanity prevail," she concluded.

Day of Mourning

This morning, the president of the Valencian government, Carlos Mazón, made an official statement in which he admitted that "some things should have worked better," but he refused to resign or apologize for his handling of the crisis, which has been criticized for his lack of time—including a four-hour lunch with journalist Maribel Vilaplana while the victims were being mourned—and numerous other issues. Clinging to his position thanks to the support of Vox, the Valencian president made a statement in the Salón de Corts (the Valencian Parliament building) to applause from his advisors and close associates, announcing that October 29th would be a day of mourning in the region "in remembrance of the victims of the DANA storm." However, Mazón did acknowledge mistakes: "We tried to do our best in unimaginable circumstances, but in many cases it wasn't enough, and today, once again, we must recognize that." "Today is not the day for confrontation, but we must reflect on the helplessness felt by so many Valencians in the days that followed, as we came to understand the magnitude of this unimaginable tragedy," he added. A massive "helplessness" that, despite admitting it, points to him, as numerous polls indicate; for example, one of theABC in which 75% of Valencians are asking for his resignationThe president recalled that "a year ago the Valencian Community experienced one of its greatest catastrophes in its entire history," which has marked them with "the loss of 229 lives," whom he said must be kept "in memory and tribute," and with "respect for their families." In any case, he commented that he doesn't want to "leave anyone behind." Despite the multiple changes of version and absences of several hours, with a string of lies that this newspaper has compiledMazón has now stated that it is necessary to "strengthen security and improve prevention" to avoid a tragedy like the torrential rains. "Valencians, we rise again after the tragedy," he said, quoting part of the regional anthem. He even stated that it is necessary to "pay tribute to those who lost their lives, support those who are still suffering the devastation caused by the floods," and "thank everyone for their efforts," including the "unsung heroes," in a speech partially delivered in Catalan.

Opposition criticism

Clinging to "strength" and "hope," Mazón ignored popular and legal pressure and delivered a speech that infuriated the opposition. The leader of the Socialist Party of the Valencian Country (PSPV-PSOE) in the Valencian Parliament, Jose Muñoz, harshly criticized him: "They've lost their minds," he snapped at Mazón, criticizing "that 160 high-ranking officials of the Generalitat stood up to applaud." Meanwhile, the Socialist leader and candidate for the Generalitat, Diana Morant, insisted that Mazón "should not have become president" on the anniversary of the DANA storm and accused Feijóo of being an "accessory." Similarly, the leader of Compromís, Joan Baldoví, lashed out against what he considered the "insult" of the speech. In his opinion, it is "infamous" and "the only institutional statement from Mazón that the people of Valencia expect is the announcement of his resignation." He also asserted that it is "a further insult to the victims on such a painful day" and that "the applause from his government is a mockery" that "demonstrates their lack of humanity."

DANA reports

The events commemorating the DANA storm spanned several moments throughout Wednesday. In the morning, there was a collective act of remembrance and mourning for the loved ones, family members, neighbors, and friends killed by the negligence of the Mazón administration and the Valencian government. This was a space to share the collective grief that the Valencian people continue to need and which will not be overcome until there is truth and justice. At 1:00 PM, in the Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia, a retracing of the route taken by Mazón on that tragic day, while people were drowning, was carried out. In the afternoon, there was a march through the towns affected by the flooding in the Horta Sud ravine. The first march began at 6:00 PM in Albal, and the second at 7:00 PM in Sedaví. A final event took place at 7:30 PM in the Plaza de la Chapa in Benetússer, featuring speeches from the local emergency committees. The marches were silent as a sign of respect for the victims. All of this will take place in parallel with the state funeral for the victims, which will begin at 6 p.m.