Mazón's response to the DANA under scrutiny: the first anniversary of the catastrophe marks the general policy debate

ValenciaOutside the Valencian Parliament, a protest was called by associations of family members of victims and those affected by the DANA (National Hurricane) to demand the resignation of Carlos Mazón. Inside the chamber, a speaker will avoid self-criticism about the handling of the incident on the day of the cold snap, arguing that it has been subject to legal proceedings, boasting about the measures adopted after the catastrophe, and accusing the Spanish government of having abandoned the Valencian Community. These will likely be the two scenes that summarize the general policy debate that begins this Tuesday in Les Corts (Valencian Parliament), marking the starting gun for a crucial month to determine whether the head of the Consell has managed to defuse public outrage or, on the contrary, must continue to be confined to institutional events.

Convinced that his future is not yet sealed, the PP leader will also dodge calls for new elections from the PSPV (Socialist Party) and for his resignation from Compromís (Compromise). To ignore the opposition, the conservative politician has the support of his party, which has authorized him to try to reverse the situation; that is, to try to rise in the polls. And, according to a survey published by the newspaper Levant in May [which coincides with a from the CIS post], 80% of the population believes that the Valencian president should resign. To remain in the Palau de la Generalitat, the head of the Consell also has the support of Vox, which keeps him in office, given that, with the worn-out figure of Mazón and public anger over the administration's insufficient response to the DANA crisis, it is the party that has grown the most after the tragedy. As often happens, the discrediting of politics increases the far-right's vote bank.

To shift the focus beyond the DANA, the Valencian president will also summarize the fiscal and social policies implemented in the last twelve months, such as the consultation on language in education. In addition, it will announce new proposals to increase the agility of the administration – even if this means eliminating control mechanisms – and approve more tax cutsAccording to the Generalitat (Catalan government), the head of the Consell (Consell) will opt for a "forceful and vindictive speech before the Spanish government to demand more investment and adequate funding" and for the State to "collaborate in the provision of public services."

This Tuesday's debate, which will conclude on Thursday with the approval of resolutions, will mark the beginning of a crucial period for Mazón's future. On the horizon is the celebration of the New October Day, an anniversary that presents the president with a difficult choice: whether or not to participate in the traditional civic procession of the Valencian National Day. Although the majority of those attending are conservative, Representatives of the extreme right also participateFurthermore, this year, victims and families of the victims of the DANA disaster could attend, as well as other groups critical of the actions of the leader of the Consell. All of this increases the risk that the PP politician will be booed and even suffer an attempted attack, given that it is a street parade.

But not attending would mean admitting that, a year later, he cannot normally go out on the street. Concerned about Mazón's safety, the Palau de la Generalitat is still debating the best option. The first anniversary of the catastrophe is also expected to be turbulent, when the monthly demonstration calling for the resignation of the Valencian president will almost certainly increase its participation. A protest that will be accompanied by the emotional celebration of the state funeral on October 29th. These will be complex days for Mazón, but above all for the families of the 229 fatalities and the nearly 150,000 victims.