Mazón declares October 29th a day of mourning: "There are things that should have worked better"

BarcelonaA year and 229 deaths later, following the devastating storm in the Valencian Community, with the government's handling of the crisis under investigation, the president of the Valencian government, Carlos Mazón, made an official statement admitting that "some things should have worked better." However, he refused to resign or apologize for a management approach criticized for its lack of transparency regarding the number of deaths and for multiple conflicting accounts. Clinging to power thanks to the support of the Vox party, the Valencian president delivered a statement in the Valencian Parliament, applauded by 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 storm." 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 X. In his opinion, "everything is wrong," from the fact that "Mazón is still in office" to "that 160 high-ranking officials of the Generalitat are playing the victim" and "that the Parliament Hall is being used." Similarly, the leader of Compromís, Joan Baldoví, lashed out against what he considers the "insult" of the appearance. In his view, 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 was "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.